GENERIC NAME: BLEOMYCIN - INJECTION (blee-oh-MY-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Blenoxane

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

WARNING: Rarely, bleomycin can cause a serious, allergic-like reaction, mainly in lymphoma patients. Because bleomycin is a useful drug for treating lymphoma, the manufacturer recommends giving a lower dosage for the first two doses while checking for signs of this serious reaction. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following serious side effects occur: dizziness or fainting, confusion, fever, chills, trouble breathing. Rarely, this drug can also cause swelling/inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis), which could lead to permanent lung damage (pulmonary fibrosis).

USES: Bleomycin is used in combination with other medicines to treat various forms of cancer.

HOW TO USE: This is a potent medication. Take it exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking this medication, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS: Vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening or thickening of the skin, itching, skin rash or colored bumps on the fingertips, elbows or palms, swollen fingers, or changes in fingernails or toenails are common side effects. Taking the medication on an empty stomach may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sores in the mouth or on lips, confusion, faintness, sweating, wheezing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Cancer - Learn about cancer types, disease statistics, facts, and survival rates, and get information about how malignant tumors (cancerous growths) metastasize or spread. Source:Government Raynaud's Phenomenon - Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) is a condition in which the fingers and/or the toes change color after exposure to temperature changes or emotional events. The skin discoloration occurs when the blood vessels spasm, causing a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. The digit(s) first turn white because of the diminished blood supply, then they turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen, and finally, they turn red when the blood vessels reopen, causing a local "flushing" phenomenon. RP primarily affects women, and its cause is unknown. Protecting the fingers and the toes from cold, trauma, and infection prevents complications from Raynaud's phenomenon. Source:MedicineNet Read 15 more bleomycin-injection related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection