In this Article

• What is bleomycin (Blenoxane)?
• What are the possible side effects of bleomycin (Blenoxane)?
• What is the most important information I should know about bleomycin (Blenoxane)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving bleomycin (Blenoxane)?
• How is bleomycin given (Blenoxane)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Blenoxane)?
• What happens if I overdose (Blenoxane)?
• What should I avoid while receiving bleomycin (Blenoxane)?
• What other drugs will affect bleomycin (Blenoxane)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving bleomycin (Blenoxane)?

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 (Blenoxane)?

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.