Description
Description
This page contains brief details about the drug bleomycin, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Date of Approval
Bleomycin consists of the active ingredient Bleomycin. It belongs to a group of drugs known as antineoplastic antibiotics. It is commonly used in cancer treatment to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. It treats lymph node cancers (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), head and neck cancer, and cancer in external genitalia. It either be used alone or with radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. This injection is also beneficial to prevent and treat the fluid accumulation in the lungs due to cancer.
Bleomycin was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1973 for the treatment of several types of cancer, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and testicular cancer. It is also used off-label for treating other types of cancers, such as cervical cancer and melanoma. Bleomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that was first isolated from a bacteria named Streptomyces verticillus in 1966.
Mechanism of Action of Bleomycin
Bleomycin is inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation. By interfering with DNA replication and transcription, it can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, leading to their destruction. This effect is particularly important in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, and some types of lung cancer, where rapid cell growth and division are characteristic features of the disease. Overall, it can help to shrink tumors and improve symptoms in cancer patients.
Uses of Bleomycin
Bleomycin is primarily used to treat several types of cancer, including Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and testicular cancer. It is also used off-label for treating other types of cancers, such as cervical cancer and melanoma. As part of a chemotherapy regimen, it is often used with other drugs to increase its effectiveness. In some cases, it may also be used as a single agent for treating certain cancers. It is particularly effective in the treatment of testicular cancer.
Bleomycin Dosage available
Bleomycin is administered through injection by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinical setting. The dosage and frequency of administration will vary depending on the type of cancer being treated, the patient’s age and weight, and other factors. It should not be taken orally, as it is not absorbed well through the gastrointestinal tract and may cause serious side effects if ingested.
During treatment, patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely and attend all scheduled appointments to monitor their condition and response to treatment. If a dose is missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately for instructions on when to take the next dose. It is important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one.
