BLENOXANE

Drug Name: BLENOXANE

BLENOXANE DESCRIPTION:
BLEOMYCIN - INJECTION (blee-oh-MY-sin)

COMMON BLENOXANE BRAND NAME(S):
Blenoxane

BLENOXANE SIDE EFFECTS:
Vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening or thickening of the skin, itching, skin rash or colored bumps on the fingertips, elbows or palms, swollen fingers, or changes in fingernails or toenails are common side effects. Taking the medication on an empty stomach may help relieve vomiting. Changes in diet such as eating several small meals or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. In some cases, drug therapy may be necessary to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Temporary hair loss is another common side effect; normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sores in the mouth or on lips, confusion, faintness, sweating, wheezing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE BLENOXANE:
BLENOXANE: This is a potent medication. Take it exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking BLENOXANE, even if you feel nauseated or experience vomiting. If you vomit shortly after a dose, or if you miss a dose, contact your doctor.

BLENOXANE WARNING:
Bleomycin can cause severe, unexpected reactions if you have cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop dizziness, faintness, confusion, fever, chills, or wheezing/trouble breathing. Serious lung problems (lung inflammation leading to pulmonary fibrosis) may also occur.

BLENOXANE USES:
Bleomycin is used in combination with other medicines to treat various forms of cancer.

BLENOXANE PRECAUTIONS:
Smoking tobacco may increase lung-related side effects. Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease. Before having surgery of any kind or emergency treatment, inform the doctor or dentist that you have been receiving this medication. Contraceptive (birth control) measures are recommended for use in men and women while taking BLENOXANE. BLENOXANE is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using BLENOXANE. It is not known if BLENOXANE passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

BLENOXANE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: digoxin, phenytoin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

BLENOXANE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

BLENOXANE NOTES:
Regular doctor visits are important. Frequent blood tests will be done to monitor therapy.

MISSED BLENOXANE DOSE:
It is important that you remain closely monitored by your doctor,

BLENOXANE STORAGE:
Refrigerate. Reconstituted solutions are stable for 24 hours at room temperature and for 14 days if refrigerated. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.