Bleomycin

During infusion

Allergic reaction may occur during or several hours after treatment. Please alert your nurse if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, shortness of breath or dizziness.

Early side effects

Fever and chills commonly occur shortly after treatment. You may take paracetamol to relieve the fever. However, do seek medical attention if your fever lasts for more than 24 hours after treatment.

Delayed side effects

Common (>30%)

• Skin reactions: redness, darkening in some areas, stretch marks, thickening
• Nail thickening, nail banding
• Temporary hair loss or thinning

Less common (10-29%)

• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Mouth sores
• Pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue)

Serious but uncommon

• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue) after repeated treatments
• Vascular effects leading to heart attack or stroke, or Raynaud's phenomenon (a disorder of the small blood vessels that feed the skin, most commonly affecting the hands and feet.)

Inform your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Fever of 38° C or higher, or chills
• Sore throat, hoarseness or mouth sores that are bothersome
• Pain or burning with urination
• Skin rash or itching that is bothersome
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, black tarry stools or blood in urine
• Persistent dry cough or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or palpitations