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.

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