What is Bleomycin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Bleomycin overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Bleomycin Sulfate

Uses:

  • Treats cancer.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Bleomycin used for?

What form(s) does Bleomycin come in

  • Injectable

What are common Bleomycin doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 15UNIT

  • Solution Reconstituted 30UNIT

Common Bleomycin prescriptions

  • Bleomycin Sulfate
    15unit solution reconstituted

  • Bleomycin Sulfate
    30unit solution reconstituted

How to take Bleomycin

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.

  • Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

  • Missed dose:Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.

  • Missed dose:Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Bleomycin

Bleomycin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you are pregnant, or if you had an allergic reaction to bleomycin.

Bleomycin warnings

  • Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are getting this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you have lung, liver, or kidney disease.

  • Before you have any kind of surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are receiving bleomycin.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by bleomycin. If the medicine does not help, call your doctor.

Bleomycin interactions

  • Injection routeThis medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.

  • Do not breastfeed while you are getting this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you have lung, liver, or kidney disease.

  • Before you have any kind of surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are receiving bleomycin.

  • Your doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by bleomycin. If the medicine does not help, call your doctor.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bleomycin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

  • Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat

  • Unusual or painful skin changes or rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

  • Hair loss

  • Dark patches on skin or nails

  • Weight loss

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