Bleomycin an antibiotic anticancer drug used to treat squamous cell cancers of the head and neck, penis, cervix, or vulva, testicular carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; and also used as a sclerosing agent for malignant pleural effusion.
Bleomycin is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Bleomycin interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Bleomycin is used to treat squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer that can affect the mouth, throat, nose and sinuses, penis, vagina, cervix, and other. Bleomycin is also used to treat Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, and malignant pleural effusion (a build-up of fluid in the outer tissues of the lungs, caused by certain types of cancer).
Bleomycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not receive bleomycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before receiving bleomycin, tell your doctor if you have:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not receive bleomycin without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether bleomycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are being treated with bleomycin.
Since bleomycin is given in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional, an overdose of this medication is not likely to occur.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your bleomycin injection.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you are receiving.
There may be other drugs that can interact with bleomycin. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Blenoxane and bleomycin
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Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version 2.05. Revision date 8/23/04
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