People who suffer from particular forms of cancer can benefit from bleomycin, a chemotherapy drug. It works as an antineoplastic drug, meaning that it is a tumor antibiotic and is toxic to fast growing cells. Bleomycin may help destroy cancer cells associated with uterine cancer, cervical cancer, neck cancer, testicular cancer, head cancer, penile cancer and forms of lymphoma, MayoClinic.com reports. Taken as an intravenous medicine, bleomycin also can work in the fight against other cancers, such as bone and skin cancer, as well as against severe wart problems.
Cancer
As with many anti-cancer medicines, there is a chance that bleomycin can cause unwanted effects that may not occur until months or even years after treatment has stopped. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer such as leukemia. For this reason, MayoClinic.com recommends a thorough discussion with a physician or oncologist prior to taking doses of the medication.
Fever
Within three to six hours of an injection of bleomycin, the person may develop a fever accompanied by body chills, according to MayoClinic.com. Classified as common and serious side effects, a doctor should be consulted immediately if fever and chills occur.
Confusion
Less serious, but still disconcerting, bleomycin can produce the mental side effect of confusion upon initial use of the drug. The person may feel disoriented, or find conversation difficult to follow or participate in. The condition usually occurs with early use of the medication, and this non-serious and common side effect will vanish on its own. Drugs.com suggests contacting the doctor if the mental confusion appears severe or does not stop on its own.
Alopecia
Like many drugs designed to fight cancer, bleomycin can cause a loss of hair during the initial stages of use. Categorized as a non-serious and common side effect of bleomycin, alopecia generally ends without medical intervention, Drugs.com indicates.
Skin Tenderness
Bleomycin can cause skin tenderness during initial use. It also can make the skin turn red or grow darker. Itchiness can occur, as well. Additionally, this medication can cause bands of dark color to appear in the fingernails and toenails. None of these classify as serious side effects and should end without medical aid.
Weight Problems
When the person begins treatment with bleomycin, the medicine can cause a decrease in appetite or a loss of it. This may result in some loss of weight, as well. These common side effects classify as non-serious, Drugs.com indicates.
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