Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: bleomycin, injection; BLM; Blenoxane
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to treat cancers such as:
It is also used to prevent or treat fluid build-up around the lungs caused by some cancers. It may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
The shots are given by a healthcare provider in a clinic or hospital where you can be monitored closely. Keep all your appointments for the injections.
If you have dizziness, confusion, fever, chills, wheezing, tell your provider right away.
This medicine may cause lung problems. Do not smoke while receiving this medicine. You may need to have chest X-rays and lab tests every 1 to 2 weeks during treatment with this medicine.
You may lose your hair during this treatment. Your hair will grow back when you stop taking this medicine.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Sudden weakness or confusion, dizziness, fainting, fever, chills, wheezing, trouble breathing, sudden chest pain, light-colored bowel movements, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine.
Other: Dark patches on skin, skin tenderness or redness, nail changes, hair loss, headache, itching, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, white patches or sores inside mouth or on lips.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
