What it means
A cancer drug made from bacteria that breaks the DNA of cancer cells. Unlike many chemotherapy drugs, it causes little bone marrow suppression. Its main danger is lung damage (pneumonitis that can lead to scarring, called pulmonary fibrosis), which is more likely as the total lifetime dose grows and in older adults. Some clients, especially with lymphoma, have a severe reaction with fever, chills and low blood pressure after a dose.
For the nurse
ISMP lists chemotherapy as high-alert. Check lung sounds and breathing before each dose and report new cough or shortness of breath. Expect pulmonary function tests during treatment. Watch closely after the first doses for fever, chills and a drop in blood pressure. Tell anesthesia about past bleomycin use: high oxygen levels during surgery can harm the lungs.
At a glance
| Drug class | antineoplastic (antitumor antibiotic) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | bleomicina |
Related terms
antineoplastic
A drug used to treat cancer by killing cancer cells or stopping them from growing and dividing.
pulmonary function tests
Breathing tests that measure how much air the lungs hold and how fast air moves in and out.