Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Bleomycin.

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Bleomycin. Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, Hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Bleomycin can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If possible, avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.

Lung disease: Bleomycin causes lung problems in about 10% of people using the medication. People with lung disease are more likely to be affected by this problem. If you have lung disease, discuss with your doctor how Bleomycin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bleomycin, and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience shortness of breath, cough, noisy breathing or chest pain, contact your doctor immediately.

Kidney Disease: Bleomycin is removed from the body by the kidneys. If you have ever had kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Bleomycin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Bleomycin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Studies of Bleomycin have not been done with pregnant women. There is a possibility of birth defects if either the father or mother is using bleomycin at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Bleomycin. Tell the doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using Bleomycin.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether bleomycin passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while receiving bleomycin treatment.