Generic Name: bleomycin (BLEE oh MYE sin)
Brand Names: Blenoxane
What is Blenoxane (bleomycin)?
Bleomycin is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells 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 treats only the symptoms of cancer but does not treat the cancer itself.
Bleomycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Blenoxane (bleomycin)?
You should not receive bleomycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it. Do not use bleomycin if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Before receiving bleomycin, tell your doctor if you have lung disease or a breathing disorder, kidney disease, or liver disease.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your lungs, you may need to have chest X-rays or other lung function tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are being treated with bleomycin. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as fever, chills, mouth sores, confusion, weakness, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough, feeling short of breath, feeling like you might pass out, unusual hardening or thickening of your skin, or severe skin reaction (redness, itching, rash, blistering, or tenderness).
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving Blenoxane (bleomycin)?
You should not receive bleomycin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
To make sure you can safely receive bleomycin, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
lung disease or a breathing disorder;
- kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use bleomycin 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.
How is bleomycin given?
Bleomycin is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein or muscle, or as a shot given under the skin. When treating pleural effusion, bleomycin is given through a chest tube. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.
Bleomycin is usually given once or twice per week, depending on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor's instructions.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects on your lungs, you may need to have chest X-rays or other lung function tests on a regular basis. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are being treated with bleomycin.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your bleomycin injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving Blenoxane (bleomycin)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Blenoxane (bleomycin) side effects
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:
fever or chills;
sudden chest pain or discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack;
feeling short of breath on exertion;
confusion, feeling weak or tired, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss;
feeling like you might pass out;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
severe redness, itching, rash, blistering, or tenderness of your skin; or
unusual hardening or thickening of your skin.
Less serious side effects may include:
dark streaks or discoloring on your skin;
fingernail or toenail changes;
temporary hair loss;
mild itching;
vomiting;
pain near your tumor; or
redness, warmth, itching, or swelling around the IV needle.
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.
What other drugs will affect Blenoxane (bleomycin)?
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 medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Blenoxane resources
- Blenoxane Side Effects (in more detail)
- Blenoxane Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Blenoxane Drug Interactions
- Blenoxane Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Blenoxane - Add your own review/rating
- Blenoxane Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Blenoxane MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Blenoxane Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Blenoxane Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Bleomycin Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Blenoxane with other medications
- Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Malignant Pleural Effusion
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Testicular Cancer
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about bleomycin.
See also: Blenoxane side effects (in more detail)
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