ADAP drugs: bleomycin

bleomycin (Blenoxane)

Drug description

Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutic drug used in combination with two others to treat Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) when it does not respond to standard treatment. KS has become the fourth most common AIDS-defining illness. Advances have been made in the treatment of KS, but no optimal therapy or adequate long-term management options have been defined. There is no curative therapy for KS. The two other drugs used with bleomycin are adriamycin (Doxorubicin) and vincristine, and the combination is referred to as ABV. ABV can produce rapid improvement.

Side effects
The major toxicity of ABV is myelosuppression, which is the suppression of bone marrow activity and can cause anemia. Bleomycin may cause fever and chills 2-6 hours after infusion which can last for 4-6 hours. The drug can also cause hair loss.

Dosage
An initial test dose is given of 2 units or less for the first 2 doses. Infusions of 0.25-0.5 units/kg are given weekly or twice weekly initially, or 25 units/kg/day for 4-5 days as continuous IV infusion. If favorable response occurs, a maintenance dose of 1 unit/day or 5 units/week is given.

How long it may take to work
You may have to take this drug for 2-3 weeks.

Managing side effects
Your diet may need to be modified according to how well your system tolerates the drug. Antiemetics such as Compazine, Phenergan and Reglan may be administered prior to therapy. You should not smoke because it increases the risk of pulmonary toxicity. If the inside of your mouth becomes tender and sensitive, use a sponge brush and rinse with warm salt water after eating and drinking.

This information is specific to the use of this medication for HIV-related conditions. For additional information about this drug for other conditions, refer to: www.nursespdr.com/ and www.healthanswers.com/Library/library_fset.asp

The drug descriptions on these pages are intended for informational purposes only. The Network does not promote or endorse the use of any specific treatment for any health-related condition. The medications described here can only be dispensed by a licensed health care professional. The information may have changed since these pages were updated, though every effort is made to keep these pages current. Please contact The Network at (800) 734-7104 to make sure you have the most up-to-date information

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