About bleomycin + vial
Antitumor antibiotic; cytotoxic chemotherapy
Used for
- Certain cancers, including Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular cancer, and squamous cell cancers.
- Pleurodesis to prevent recurrent fluid around the lungs.
Usual adult dose
Cancer regimens vary by cancer and combination; commonly 10–20 units/m² intravenously or intramuscularly on scheduled treatment days. Pleurodesis dosing differs.
Usual dose in children
Specialist-directed cancer treatment; dosing is based on body surface area and the specific regimen.
Common side effects
- Fever, chills, and infusion reactions
- Skin changes, mouth sores, and hair loss
- Lung inflammation and potentially severe lung scarring
- Nausea and vomiting
Important warnings
- Can cause serious or fatal lung injury; risk increases with age and cumulative exposure.
- Lung symptoms require prompt medical assessment; monitor lung function during treatment.
- Use only under specialist supervision; blood counts and kidney function may need monitoring.
- Tell the treatment team about prior bleomycin and planned surgery or oxygen therapy.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy testing and effective contraception are generally required during treatment; discuss timing with the oncology team.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because of potential serious harm to the infant; ask the oncology team when it may resume.
Interactions
- Other lung-toxic chemotherapy or medicines may increase lung injury risk.
- High oxygen exposure during anesthesia may increase lung injury risk.
- Radiation therapy may increase toxicity in treated tissues.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.