Bleomycin

Early Side Effects (within days after receiving Bleomycin)

• Fever and chills commonly occur shortly after treatment
• This may be relieved by taking paracetamol
• However, seek medical attention if your fever lasts for more than 24 hours after treatment, or if your fever is above 38°C

Delayed Side Effects (within days to weeks after receiving Bleomycin)

• Skin reactions: redness, darkening in some areas, stretch marks, thickening
• Your skin will slowly return to normal after stopping treatment.
• Nail changes: thickening, discolouration, banding (appearance of lines)
• Your nails will slowly return to normal after stopping treatment.
• Temporary hair loss or thinning
• Use a gentle shampoo to wash your hair.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Take the medications for nausea or vomiting as instructed by your doctor if any.
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Take small, frequent meals throughout the day.
• Mouth sores
• Rinse your mouth after meals using an alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water.
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush.

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Fever of 38°C and above, especially with chills
• Very bad sore throat, changes in voice or mouth sores
• Pain or burning feeling on passing urine
• Very bad skin rash or itch
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, black sticky stools or blood in urine
• Dry cough that does not go away or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or fast heartbeat

• Allergic reaction – this may occur during or several hours after treatment

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
• Flushing
• Dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your healthcare professional immediately.

​Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication
• You or your partner becomes pregnant or is planning for pregnancy
• You should use effective birth control during treatment and for a period of time after you finish treatment.
• Bleomycin may affect your ability to have children in the future. You may wish to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
• You are breastfeeding
• Do not breastfeed during treatment
• You are taking any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies

​​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

Bleomycin may be given as an injection into your vein (intravenous), under the skin (subcutaneous) or into your muscle (intramuscular).

​If you forget to receive a dose of Bleomycin, reschedule an appointment with your hospital as soon as possible.

​You may refer to the following website if you need more information: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/