Find out the side effects when using Bleomycin

Bleomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic. The physical properties of bleomycin are that it is water soluble and has cytotoxic effects.

Bleomycin binds directly to DNA and forms free radicals that break DNA fragments. Thanks to the inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis, it inhibits the division and growth of tumor cells. Bleomycin only has a specific effect on DNA biosynthesis, does not affect RNA biosynthesis or protein biosynthesis of tumor cells.
The effect of bleomycin is maximal in the M-phase cell cycle of the tumor and the transition from the G1 to the S phase, however, the G2 phase also shows sensitivity to bleomycin.

In addition to the effect on the tumor, the drug bleomycin has almost no other effects. When administered intravenously, bleomycin has an effect similar to that of histamine on blood pressure, increasing body temperature.

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, thyroid, lung or bladder carcinoma Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, malignant melanoma with metastasis Used in malignant pleural effusion as a sclerosing agent .

Acute lung infection The patient has a severely impaired lung function. Pregnant women Women who are breastfeeding.

Bleomycin is relatively less toxic to the bone marrow, the most common side effects of bleomycin are on the skin and lungs (lung toxicity) Pain/redness at the injection site Fever, chills Skin color darkens (skin discoloration) redness, pigmentation) thickening of the skin, appearance of blisters, yellowing of the eyes or change in color of fingernails/toenails Dark urine Nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss: small meals should be divided Eating or limiting vigorous activity after eating can help improve this condition. Hair loss Lip and throat ulcers. Dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations Numbness, tingling, cold hands/feet Easy bruising, bleeding, pale skin, coughing up blood, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee Signs of infection (persistent pain) Kidney problems (change in the amount of urine, pink urine) Changes in mental status, mood (or confusion) Weakness on one side of the body body, chest pain, vision changes requiring immediate medical attention Rash, itching/swelling of face/tongue/throat Rarely cause severe dizziness, trouble breathing. Leukopenia (reversible), thrombocytopenia .

Comply with the use of Bleomycin as prescribed by your doctor. Bleomycin may change the action of other medications or increase side effects. Patients should notify their physician of a list of medications they are currently taking for the physician's review. Do not arbitrarily use the drug, stop taking it or change the dose without the consent of your doctor. Do not use the drug for pregnant women Using bleomycin should not breast-feed. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in Bleomycin or any unwanted side effects. Store the medicine at the temperature according to the instruction sheet, away from high temperature, humidity or direct sunlight. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next normal dose, do not take a double dose. Do not throw Bleomycin down the toilet or sewer line. For detailed advice, please come directly to Vinmec health system or register online HERE.