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| Site Navigation | Chemotherapy - Bleomycin |
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| Bleomycin (common brand name blenoxane) is
a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of Hodgkin's
Lymphoma / Disease. It is more often than not given in conjunction with other chemotherapy
agents in a multidrug regimen. It is an antineoplastic - bleomycin is an antitumor
antibiotic, interfering with the growth of cancer cells. Before taking this medicine: Inform the doctor if you have had kidney, liver, or lung disease. It should not be taken while pregnant and not while breast feeding without your doctors' advise. While taking this medicine: It is important to keep in close contact with the doctor who will monitor dosage and effects. If you have surgery or emergency treatment, tell the doctor/dentist you are taking or have taken this medication. Short Term Side Effects: Common: nausea and vomiting (ask your doctor about drugs to counteract nausea), fever/chills after dose, cough, shortness of breath, mouth sores, itching, rash, loss of appetite; Less Common: confusion, faintness, wheezing; Rare: sudden/severe chest pain, sudden weakness in arms/legs Long Term Side Effects: hair loss (alopecia) during use - hair growth should return after treatment and lung (pulmonary) toxicity (doses should be monitored). Some of the regimens using Bleomycin:
Lung Damage As stated, bleomycin can cause lung damage. The medical team may have the patient have lung tests before treatment. These can be used as a baseline to determine if your lungs are damaged by testing during or after treatment and comparing the results. You may wish to consult your medical team on the effects of bleomycin prior to starting treatment. Bleomycin Reference Links:
Manufacturer
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature. Please consult with a doctor or the literature provided with the drug packaging if you need specific information on a drug. The author is not responsible for missing or inaccurate information and the reader assumes full responsibility for their actions. As always, please consult with medical personnel before undertaking any medical treatment. For more information on Hodgkin's Disease, please see the following pages: :
The Main Page - gateway to support and more This page is a work in progress - if you have more complete information, references, or other information please contact the author. The author is not in the medical field and does not warrant the correctness of the material on this page or the sites linked - please take online information and consult with your own medical team to make informed decisions. Copyright © 1998-2005 Lymphoma Information
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