Bleomycin SULFATE: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Bleomycin sulfate is an antibiotic against cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. Similar to other cancer drugs, Bleomycin sulfate is available by injection into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin. In some cases, drugs can also be injected into the pleural space to prevent the recurrence of peripulmonary effusion caused by cancer.

1. What is Bleomycin sulfate?

Bleomycin sulfate is used to treat cancer by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Bleomycin sulfate may also be used to control fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion) caused by tumors that have spread to the lungs. For this condition, medication will be placed into the pleural space that surrounds the lungs through the chest tube.
The essence of the drug Bleomycin sulfate is a mixture of glycopeptide antineoplastic antibiotics isolated from the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus. The Bleomycin molecule forms a complex with iron that oxidizes the superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, causing single- and double-strand breaks in DNA; These types of oxidation reactions also cause lipid peroxidation, carbohydrate oxidation, and changes in prostaglandin synthesis and breakdown. Since then, the drug Bleomycin sulfate has the role of killing cancer cells. The malignancies that respond to treatment with Bleomycin sulfate are mainly germ cell tumors and Hodgkin lymphoma.
However, the main limitation of chemotherapy with bleomycin is the potential for life-threatening interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (also called fibrous alveolitis) in 10% of patients receiving the drug. In addition, other, less common forms of lung injury include tissue pneumonia and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

2. How to use Bleomycin SULFATE?

Bleomycin sulfate is prescribed by a healthcare professional by injection into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin. The frequency of administration is usually once or twice a week or as directed by your doctor in each case. Likewise, the dosage is also based on the patient's medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.
When injecting this drug into a vein, it should be injected at a slow rate over 10 minutes. During this time, it is necessary to closely monitor the patient; If any abnormality occurs, especially chest pain, the drug may need to be stopped or injected more slowly.
If the patient is receiving this medication through a chest tube into the pleural space, the solution is usually left in place for 4 hours and then drained out through the chest tube. The doctor should instruct the patient on how to change position to ensure that the position of the treatment solution reaches all parts of the lungs during this time.

3. Possible side effects when taking Bleomycin sulfate

When treatment with Bleomycin sulfate is indicated, patients may experience side effects such as pain, redness at the injection site, fever, chills, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening of the skin, or changes in the skin. change fingernails and toenails. In response to this condition, the person or caregiver supports dietary changes such as eating small meals or limiting activity that may help improve these discomforts. In addition, medications that prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting can also help regulate gastrointestinal function. Occasionally, painful sores and sores can appear on the lips, mouth, and throat. To make it more comfortable, limit hot foods and drinks, brush your teeth carefully, avoid using mouthwash that contain alcohol, and rinse your mouth often with cool water.
Besides, the patient may experience temporary hair loss; Fortunately, the hair can grow back normally once the treatment is over. Also, Bleomycin can often cause skin reactions (eg, redness, itching, blisters, rash, swelling), which usually occur during the second or third week of treatment. These reactions are not always serious. However, the person may not be able to tell them apart beyond the signs of a serious reaction. Therefore, tell your doctor right away if you notice any skin reactions and if any of them persist or get worse.
However, do not hesitate and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: dizziness/fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, numbness/tingling, feeling cold hands/feet, easy bruising/bleeding, pale/pale skin, coughing up blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or blood, signs of infection (eg, persistent sore throat), signs signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink urine), mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, aggression), persistent nausea, stomach pain/ abdomen, dark urine, yellow eyes/skin.
Finally, the possibility of a very serious allergic reaction to Bleomycin is very rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: confusion, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) ), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

4. Measures to prevent adverse effects

Before using bleomycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it; or if you have any other allergies. Because Bleomycin sulfate may contain inactive ingredients, it may cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical history, especially immune system problems (e.g. chemotherapy, bone marrow problems), illness. kidney, liver disease, lung problems.
Because Bleomycin sulfate can make the lungs more sensitive to oxygen therapy. Therefore, tell your doctor or dentist that you are being treated with this medicine before surgery or any treatment that may use oxygen.
Kidney function declines as the body ages. While Bleomycin sulfate is filtered and eliminated by the kidneys, the elderly may be at greater risk of side effects (eg, lung problems) when using this medicine.
Bleomycin sulfate is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it can harm the unborn baby. Therefore, women of childbearing age or planning to become pregnant should consult a doctor. Similarly, evidence on whether this drug passes into breast milk is unclear; Due to the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding during treatment with Bleomycin sulfate is not recommended.

In summary, the drug Bleomycin sulfate acts as an antibiotic with potential for anti-cancer treatment. Malignant conditions that respond to this drug are Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer. Because of the accompanying adverse effects, it is necessary to adhere to the treatment of Bleomycin sulfate according to the instructions; Simultaneously monitor abnormal symptoms for timely adjustment.

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References: pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.mayoclinic.org, webmd.com