Monograph Details
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Neoplasms
> Cytotoxic antibiotics
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Bleomycin |
| Manufacturer |
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Various generic manufacturers |
| Legal Classification |
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Rx
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| Pharmacological Class |
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Cytotoxic glycopeptide antibiotic. |
| Generic Name |
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Bleomycin 15units/vial, 30units/vial; lyophilized pwd for IM, IV, SC, or intrapleural administration after reconstitution. |
| Indications |
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Palliative treatment for squamous cell carcinoma (head and neck, penis, cervix, vulva), lymphomas (Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), testicular carcinoma (embryonal cell, choriocarcinoma, teratocarcinoma). Sclerosing agent for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion and prevention of recurrent pleural effusions. |
| Children |
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Not recommended. |
| Adults |
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Lymphomas: treat with ≤2 units for the first two doses, if no acute reaction occurs, follow regular dosage schedule. Squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular carcinoma: 0.25–0.5 units/kg IV, IM, or SC weekly or twice weekly. Hodgkin's disease: 0.25–0.5 units/kg IV, IM, or SC weekly or twice weekly; after a 50% response, a maintenance dose of 1 unit daily or 5 units weekly IV or IM should be given. Malignant pleural effusion: 60 units as a single dose bolus intrapleural injection. Renal impairment: see literature. Total doses >400 units: increased risk of pulmonary toxicity. |
| Precautions |
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Renal impairment. Compromised pulmonary function. Monitor renal function. Elderly. Pregnancy (Cat.D); avoid use. Nursing mothers: not recommended. |
| Interactions |
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May be potentiated by nephrotoxic drugs. |
| Adverse Reactions |
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Erythema, rash, striae, vesiculation, hyperpigmentation, tenderness of the skin, hyperkeratosis, nail changes, alopecia, pruritus, stomatitis; pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, idiosyncratic reaction (hypotension, mental confusion, fever, chills, wheezing). |
| How Supplied |
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Contact supplier. |
| Additional Resources |
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• Related Prescribing Note |
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