Information about Bleomycin

Generic Name : Bleomycin
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Bleomycin are provided here.

Pronunciation : blee oh mye' sin

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Bleomycin, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Trade Names/Brand Names of Bleomycin

India :

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International :

Blenoxane.

Why is Bleomycin Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an anti – cancer agent, used for the treatment of skin, oral cavity, head and neck cancer. It is also used for lymphomas, cancer of the testis and fluid accumulation in the chest caused by cancer.

When should Bleomycin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity, severe lung disease, during pregnancy and lactation.

What is the dosage of Bleomycin?

The recommended dose is 0.25 to 0.5units/kg (10 to 20 units/m²) once in a week, or twice.

How should Bleomycin be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, administered into the large muscle, vein or under the skin.

What are the warnings and precautions for Bleomycin?

•Caution needed for patients with history of lung infection, pre-existing lung function impairment, kidney impairment, patients who received radiotherapy, particularly to the thorax.

Regular chest x-rays should be done. Discontinue treatment if chest x-rays show infiltrates.

What are the side effects of Bleomycin?

Respiratory- Difficulty in breathing, lung disease and cracking sound.
Heart- Low blood pressure, cerebral arteritis, stroke, heart attack, Raynaud phenomenon(condition where there is spasm of blood vessels mainly in fingers and toes) and thrombotic microangiopathy, (clot formation in small blood vessels) (with combination chemotherapy).
Central Nervous System- Uneasiness.
Skin- Hair loss, redness, thickening of the skin, darkening of skin, nail changes, itching, rash, skin tenderness, mouth ulcer, stretch marks, blistering and scleroderma-like skin changes.
Gastrointestinal- Loss of appetite and vomiting.
Local- Pain, pain at tumor site and inflammation of veins.
Metabolic- Weight loss.
Miscellaneous- Allergic reactions.