Detailed discussion on bleomycin injection

Bleomycin injection

Categorized as an antitumor antibiotic, Bleomycin is a chemotherapy drug that is used to treat ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, and cervical cancer. It is given intravenously or subcutaneously along with other cancer medications. Bleomycin injection is known for its antitumor activities. It can inhibit protein synthesis, cellular RNA, and synthesis of DNA to interfere with the process of cell division. 

Bleomycin Uses and Dosage 

Bleomycin injection is given into the vein, muscle, or subcutaneously, i.e., under the skin. The process usually takes not more than 10 minutes. In some cases, where the build-up fluid around the lungs, caused by tumors, is aimed to be controlled, the drug is administered through a chest tube. 

Typically, Bleomycin injection IP 15 units and 30 units are the recommended dosage. It can vary according to your medical condition, weight, general health, etc. It is given in cycles, and each cycle lasts for 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of condition that is being treated. If you are developing severe toxicity, convey the same to your doctor to postpone treatment or reduce the dosage. This drug is not available in pill or tablet form.

Precautionary Measures

  1. You can have allergic reactions from the active ingredients of Bleomycin. It is essential to tell your doctor if you’re allergic to anything in the chemotherapy information sessions. 
  2. Give a detailed account of your medical history to the doctor. Significantly, if you have had any prior kidney, liver, lung, or other immune system problems, Bleomycin can develop life-threatening toxicity.
  3. Upon receiving Bleomycin Sulfate, your lungs will become sensitive to oxygen treatment. 
  4. If the patient is of considerable old age, there is a greater risk of developing kidney and lung problems. 
  5. If you are pregnant, it is recommended not to use Bleomycin because there’s a chance of the fetus getting harmed. 
  6. Although there are no claims that Bleomycin can pass through breast milk, it is recommended not to breastfeed while under this treatment. 
  7. It is also better to avoid direct sun exposure. 
  8. Maintain healthy nutrition and drink plenty of fluids. 
  9. Avoid alcoholic beverages or reduce it to a minimum. 
  10. The patient is not supposed to take any immunization shots while being treated with Bleomycin. 
  11. Make sure to inform your doctor about all the medications that you have been having at present, including the vitamin supplements and herbal remedies, because the constituents may interact with Bleomycin to give rise to severe health hazards. It is absolutely prohibited to take aspirin. 

Bleomycin Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Unusual bruising and bleeding 
  • Bloody Urine
  • Mouth sores and ulcers
  • Urine inflammation
  • Tarry stools
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hair loss leading to baldness

If you have experienced the following symptoms, contact your medical health professional on an emergency basis:

  • Allergic reaction like rash, skin itching, peeling, tightness in the chest
  • Fever with chills (over 100.4 F)

If the patient faces problems while coping with the side effects, it is essential to mention it to the doctor. The medical health professional may also prescribe drugs to deal with specific side effects like nausea and constipation. 

Conclusion 

From time to time, your doctor will run medical tests to check the disease progression and alter the dosage accordingly. Not only that, but the blood cell count may also decrease during the course of this treatment. It shall be monitored regularly. Pulmonary function exams will also be conducted periodically. 

Bleomycin injection price is approximately $35 per 15 units. However, to cover the cost, you can keep the medical insurance papers safely. The overall success rate of Bleomycin is 10-20%. 

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