
Bleonix15 unit/vial
Injection
Medicine overview
Indications of Bleonix 15 unit/vial
Theropeutic Class
Pharmacology
Although the exact mechanism of action of Bleonix 15 unit/vial is unknown, available evidence indicates that the main mode of action is the inhibition of DNA synthesis with some evidence of lesser inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis.
Bleomycin is known to cause single, and to a lesser extent, double-stranded breaks in DNA.
In in vitro and in vivo experiments, bleomycin has been shown to cause cell cycle arrest in G2 and in mitosis.
When administered into the pleural cavity in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion, Bleonix 15 unit/vial acts as a sclerosing agent.
Dosage & Administration of Bleonix 15 unit/vial
| Condition | Dosage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Because of the possibility of an anaphylactoid reaction, lymphoma patients should be treated with 2 units or less for the first 2 doses. If no acute reaction occurs, then the regular dosage schedule may be followed. Squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular carcinoma: 0.25 to 0.50 units/kg (10 to 20 units/m2) given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously weekly or twice weekly | ||
| Hodgkin’s disease | 0.25 to 0.50 units/kg (10 to 20 units/m2) given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously weekly or twice weekly | After a 50% response, a maintenance dose of 1 unit daily or 5 units weekly intravenously or intramuscularly should be given. Pulmonary toxicity of Bleomycin sulfat appears to be dose-related with a striking increase when the total dose is over 400 units. Total doses over 400 units should be given with great caution |
| Note | When Bleomycin sulfat is used in combination with other antineoplastic agents, pulmonary toxicities may occur at lower doses | Improvement of Hodgkin’s disease and testicular tumors is prompt and noted within 2 weeks. If no improvement is seen by this time, improvement is unlikely. Squamous cell cancers respond more slowly, sometimes requiring as long as 3 weeks before any improvement is noted |
| Malignant Pleural Effusion | 60 units administered as a single dose bolus intrapleural injection |
Dosage of Bleonix 15 unit/vial
| Condition | Dosage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Because of the possibility of an anaphylactoid reaction, lymphoma patients should be treated with 2 units or less for the first 2 doses. If no acute reaction occurs, then the regular dosage schedule may be followed. Squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular carcinoma: 0.25 to 0.50 units/kg (10 to 20 units/m2) given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously weekly or twice weekly | ||
| Hodgkin’s disease | 0.25 to 0.50 units/kg (10 to 20 units/m2) given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously weekly or twice weekly | After a 50% response, a maintenance dose of 1 unit daily or 5 units weekly intravenously or intramuscularly should be given. Pulmonary toxicity of Bleomycin sulfat appears to be dose-related with a striking increase when the total dose is over 400 units. Total doses over 400 units should be given with great caution |
| Note | When Bleomycin sulfat is used in combination with other antineoplastic agents, pulmonary toxicities may occur at lower doses | Improvement of Hodgkin’s disease and testicular tumors is prompt and noted within 2 weeks. If no improvement is seen by this time, improvement is unlikely. Squamous cell cancers respond more slowly, sometimes requiring as long as 3 weeks before any improvement is noted |
| Malignant Pleural Effusion | 60 units administered as a single dose bolus intrapleural injection |
Interaction of Bleonix 15 unit/vial
Contraindications
Side Effects of Bleonix 15 unit/vial
Pregnancy & Lactation
Precautions & Warnings
Overdose Effects of Bleonix 15 unit/vial
Storage Conditions
Use In Special Populations
Reconstitution
Drug Classes
Mode Of Action
Pregnancy
Pediatric Uses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bleonix 15 unit/vial used for?
Bleomycin sulfate should be considered a palliative treatment. It has been shown to be useful in the management of the following neoplasms either as a single agent or in proven combinations with other approved chemotherapeutic agents:Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Head and neck ... Read moreBleomycin sulfate should be considered a palliative treatment. It has been shown to be useful in the management of…
What is the dosage of Bleonix 15 unit/vial?
Because of the possibility of an anaphylactoid reaction, lymphoma patients should be treated with 2 units or less for the first 2 doses. If no acute reaction occurs, then the regular dosage schedule may be followed.Squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular carcinoma: 0.25 to 0.50 units/kg (10 to 20 units/m2) given intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously weekly or twice …
What are the side effects of Bleonix 15 unit/vial?
Common side effects of Bleomycin Sulfate include injection site reactions (pain, redness, warmth, itching, or swelling), fever, chills, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, darkening or discoloration of the skin, changes in fingernails or toenails, itching, or pain near your tumor.
Who should not take Bleonix 15 unit/vial?
Acute pulmonary infection or greatly reduced lung function. Concomitant brentuximab, cisplatin or oxygen. Lactation.
What precautions should be taken with Bleonix 15 unit/vial?
Caution should be taken in patient with severe heart disease, Renal impairment, Elderly & Pregnancy.
Is Bleonix 15 unit/vial safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Pregnancy Category D. It is not known whether the drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, it is recommended that nursing be discontinued by women receiving Bleomycin Sulfate therapy.
The information provided is accurate to our best practices, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific information about a drug should not be seen as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences resulting from this information, so consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.