Other Brands/Names

Sanbelat, Bleocin, Blenamax.

How it Works

Bleomycin is a medication used in cancer treatment. It works by inhibiting the formation of proteins and the genetic material RNA (ribonucleic acid), which helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Indications

Bleomycin is used alone or with other drugs to treat several types of cancer, including:

• Cancers of the head and neck area, such as cancers of the mouth, lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, throat, tonsils, and sinuses

• Cancer of the penis, testicles, cervix, and vulva (the outer part of the vagina)

• Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes)

• Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs, with administration through a chest tube

Contraindications

Bleomycin should not be taken by individuals with the following conditions:

• A history of allergy or hypersensitivity to bleomycin

• Acute or recent lung infections

• Reduced lung function

• Concurrent use with brentuximab (another cancer drug), cisplatin (chemotherapy), or oxygen therapy

• It is unknown whether bleomycin passes into breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding while using this medication is not recommended due to potential risks for the infant.

Side Effects

Some common side effects of bleomycin include:

• Pain or redness at the injection site

• Fever

• Chills

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Dark patches on the skin

• Changes in fingernails or toenails

• Temporary hair loss (normal hair growth will return after treatment ends)

• Sores on the lips, mouth, or throat. To reduce the risk of mouth sores, consider the following:

  • Restricting eating hot foods and beverages

  • Brush your teeth carefully

  • Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol

  • Rinse your mouth frequently with cool water

   

Types

Bleomycin is available as an injectable powder in vials containing 15 IU or 15 mg of bleomycin.

Dosage

Lymphoma (Lymph Node Cancer)

• Adults
  • 15,000 IU once or twice weekly.
  • A total dose of 225,000 IU.
  • The maximum lifetime cumulative dose is 360,000 IU.
• Elderly

  • 60-69 years old: 200,000-300,000 IU (30,000-60,000 IU per week)

  • 70-79 years old: 150,000-200,000 IU (30,000 IU per week)

  • 80 years old: 100,000 IU (15,000 IU per week)

Other Cancers (head and neck, penile, testicular, cervical, and vulvar cancers)

• Adults
  • 15,000 IU three times weekly or 30,000 IU twice weekly, repeated every 3-4 weeks.
  • The cumulative lifetime dose is 360,000 IU.
  • The dose is adjusted based on patient tolerance.
• Elderly

  • 60-69 years old: 200,000-300,000 IU (30,000-60,000 IU per week)

  • 70-79 years old: 150,000-200,000 IU (30,000 IU per week)

  • 80 years old: 100,000 IU (15,000 IU per week)

Safety

This medication may make your lungs more sensitive to oxygen therapy. Inform your doctor or dentist that you are receiving bleomycin before any surgery or treatments that involve oxygen therapy.

Since kidney function decreases with age and bleomycin is excreted by the kidneys, elderly patients may be at a higher risk for side effects, such as lung problems.

Drug Interactions

• There is an increased risk of lung damage in patients with a history of radiotherapy or those currently undergoing radiotherapy.

• Bleomycin may reduce the absorption of the anticonvulsant phenytoin.

• Bleomycin may increase the risk of fatal lung damage if a patient receives bleomycin with:

  • Oxygen therapy

  • Cisplatin for chemotherapy

  • Brentuximab

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