CLASS: Antitumor Antibiotic SYNONYM: Blenoxane, bleo, BLE, BLM EXTRAVASATION RISK: Can cause irritation or phlebitis ROUTES OF ADMINISTRATION: IV, IM, SC, intrapleural injection PRETREATMENT: consider pretreatment with tylenol or benadryl to reduce fevers TEST DOSE: Give a test dose of 1-2 units for the first two doses and watch for anaphylaxis (keep anaphylaxis therapy at hand). Monitor vital signs before & for 3 minutes after the test dose. This is recommended for patients with lymphoma. DRUG REACTIONS: May lower the serum concentrations of digoxin & phenytoin ADVERSE REACTIONS: RESPIRATORY: pneumonitis 10%, life-threatening pulmonary fibrosis 1%, Toxicity may occur when cumulative doses>400 mg when risk factors are present. RISK FACTORS- age, XRT to lungs, recent cisplatin therapy, O2 therapy during or after bleomycin, declining renal function. HYPERSENSITIVITY: Anaphylaxis could occur to 1% of lymphoma patients. GASTROINTESTINAL: Low potential for N/V CARDIOVASCULAR: MI, CVA, thrombotic microangiopathy, Raynaud's MISC: Fevers & chills
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