Bleomycin
Bleomycin is an antibiotic that is used only for its cancer-fighting effects; it slows
or stops the growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the
types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer
you have.
Bleomycin is used to treat
- lymphomas
- squamous cell carcinomas
- testicular carcinomas
- malignant pleural effusions
- Kaposi's sarcoma related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- renal carcinoma
- soft tissue sarcomas
- otorhinolaryngeal tumors
- mycosis fungoides
Side effects of Bleomycin
Fever and chills may occur, starting up to several hours after the
drug is given, but they do not usually last long. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to
reduce this side effect.
Skin changes. Bleomycin can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your
doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Your skin may darken, due to excess
production of pigment. This will return to normal a few months after the treatment has
finished.
Loss of appetite. A dietician or specialist nurse at your hospital can
give advice.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Sore mouth and taste change. Your mouth may become sore or dry, or you
may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your
teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help reduce the risk of this
happening. Tell your doctor if you do have any of these problems as they can prescribe
special mouthwashes and medicine to prevent or clear any mouth infection.
You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will come back after the
treatment finishes.
Changes in nails. Your nails may become darker, or ridged. These
changes usually grow out over a few months once the treatment has finished.
Less common side effects of Bleomycin
Changes to the lungs. Bleomycin may cause some changes to lung tissue.
Tell your doctor if you notice any cough or breathlessness.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it does happen it
may begin after the treatment is given and last for up to 12 hours. If the sickness is not
controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs
which may be more effective.
Hair loss. Hair loss is uncommon but hair may thin, or occasionally be
lost completely. If this happens it usually begins about 3-4 weeks after starting
treatment, although it may occur earlier. It is temporary, and the hair will start to
regrow a few weeks after the treatment is finished.
Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. During treatment with bleomycin,
and for several months afterwards, you will be more sensitive to the sun, and your skin
may burn more easily than normal. You can still go out in the sun, but always wear a high
protection factor suncream and protective clothing. |