Uses

Bleomycin is used to treat cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

This medication may also be used to control the build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs. For this condition, bleomycin is placed in the space around the lungs through a chest tube.

How to use Bleomycin Injection Vial

This medication is given by injection into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin by a health care professional usually once or twice a week or as directed by your doctor. When giving this medication into a vein, it is injected slowly over 10 minutes. Tell your health care professional right away if you experience any chest pain. The medication may need to be stopped or injected more slowly. The dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

If you are receiving this medication through a chest tube into the space around the lungs, the solution is usually left in place for 4 hours and then drained out through the chest tube. Your doctor may direct you to change positions during the 4 hours to make sure the solution treats all parts of your lungs.

Precautions

Before using bleomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: immune system problems (e.g., chemotherapy, bone marrow problems), kidney disease, liver disease, lung problems.

This medication may make your lungs more sensitive to oxygen treatment. Therefore, tell your doctor or dentist that you have used this medication before having surgery or any treatment where oxygen may be used.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for side effects (e.g., lung problems) while using this drug.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm the unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., chest X-rays, complete blood counts, kidney tests, liver tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.Information last revised November 2016. Copyright(c) 2016 First Databank, Inc.