Bleomycin is a type of antibiotic used specifically in the treatment of cancer. It interferes with the multiplication of cancer cells and slows or stops their growth and spread in the body.

Nausea & vomiting:These rarely occur. You will be offered medication to help prevent these side effects if they do occur.

Loss of hair (Alopecia):Temporary thinning or hair loss may occur. The hair will grow back.

Sores in the mouth (stomatitis): Patients experience this in varying degrees, some have fever-blister like sores. You should report this to your doctor or nurse. It is important that you maintain good mouth care both to make you feel better and to prevent infections. See the handout on Mouth Care.

Fever:Fever may occur within a few hours of the dose. Report this to your doctor. You may take Tylenol to reduce the fever.

Tumor pain:You may notice pain in the area of your tumor, this does not mean that the cancer is growing.

Skin and nail changes:With time, there may be a thickening of the palms, thickening of the nail beds, or soreness of your tongue and lips.

Pulmonary complications:Shortness of breath may occur due to scarring of lung tissue. Because of this, your total dose will be carefully calculated, and you will be asked to have chest x-rays, and breathing studies (pulmonary function tests). If you experience any difficulty with breathing, notify your doctor or nurse.