Bleomycin is a cancer care drug. This includes, among others, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-lymphoma, Hodgkin's testicular, ovarian, and cervical cancer. It can be administered intravenously, by injection into a muscle or under the skin, usually used with other cancer drugs.
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Get A Second OpinionBleomycin is used in cancer care. This drug can also be used to manage the build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs. It works by slowing or preventing the growth of cancer cells. Bleomycin is inserted in the space around the lungs through a chest tube for this disease.
This drug is administered by injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin by a medical professional, usually once or twice a week or as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is injected steadily over a duration of 10 minutes when it is administered into a vein. If you feel some chest pain, inform your health care provider right away. There may be a need to pause or inject the drug more slowly. The dose depends on your medical condition, body size and treatment reaction.
If this drug is administered into the space around the lungs through a chest tube, the solution is usually left in place for 4 hours and then drained out through the chest tube. To ensure the solution treats all parts of your lungs, your doctor may instruct you to change positions during the 4-hour period.
Laboratory and medical tests, such as kidney and liver function tests, complete blood count, blood mineral levels, and hearing tests, should be performed while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all medical and laboratory appointments.
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Book an AppointmentIt is important to take each dose of this medicine as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a new dosing schedule immediately.
Never take more doses than what is preferred. If someone has taken overdoses, immediately take them to the medical emergency.
| Bleomycin | Zeocin |
|---|---|
| Formula - C55H85N17O25S4 | Formula: C55H86N20O21S2 |
| Bleomycin is a medication used for treating cancer. | A glycopeptide antibiotic |
| This drug can also be used to manage the build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs. | Is effective against most bacteria, filamentous fungi |
| Molecular Weight 1512.6 g/mol | Molecular Weight 1427.5 g/mol |
Common side effects of bleomycin (Blenoxane) include injection site reactions (such as redness, warmth, itching, or swelling), fever, chills, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening or discoloration of the skin, changes in fingernails or toenails, itching, and pain near the tumor site.
Bleomycin can cause lung injury, leading to interstitial edema, which involves an influx of inflammatory and immune cells. This can contribute to the development of pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by increased collagen production and deposition in lung tissue.
Bleomycin is primarily used in cancer treatment. It is also used to manage pleural effusion, which is the buildup of fluid around the lungs caused by tumors. In this case, bleomycin is administered through a chest tube into the pleural space to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Bleomycin can cause temporary hair loss in some individuals. Hair typically begins to grow back after treatment ends, although it may take several months. If you smoke, you may be more likely to experience lung-related side effects such as coughing and shortness of breath.
Bleomycin can increase collagen synthesis by influencing fibroblast proliferation through a TGF-β response. Excessive collagen deposition can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible pulmonary fibrosis.
Bleomycin can be administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intravenously, intrapleurally (into the pleural space), intralesionally (into a lesion), or intra-arterially. Pre-medication with acetaminophen may reduce the incidence of fever and chills after bleomycin administration.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.
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