Bleomycin (Systemic)

Brand Names : Blenoxane

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bleomycin, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bleomycin.

Pregnancy - Studies have not been done in pregnant women. However, there is a chance that this medicine may cause birth defects if either the male or female is receiving it at the time of conception or if it is used during pregnancy. Studies in mice given large doses of bleomycin have shown that it causes birth defects. In addition, many cancer medicines may cause sterility which could be permanent. Although sterility has not been reported with this medicine, the possibility should be kept in mind.

Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before receiving this medicine. It is best to use some kind of birth control while you are receiving bleomycin. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while receiving bleomycin.

Breast-feeding - Because bleomycin may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are receiving it.

Children - Although there is no specific information comparing use of bleomycin in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults - Lung problems are more likely to occur in elderly patients (over 70 years of age), who are usually more sensitive to the effects of bleomycin.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of bleomycin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease - Effects of bleomycin may be increased because of slower removal from the body

• Liver disease - Bleomycin can cause liver problems

• Lung disease - Bleomycin may worsen the condition

Smoking - Tell your doctor if you smoke. The risk of lung problems is increased in people who smoke.