Bleokey 15IU Injection

Description of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Bleomycin, a part of Bleokey 15IU injection is an antineoplastic agent that is a part of antitumor antibiotics. It is very common in treatment of different malignancies, especially the lymphomas and germ cell tumors. Bleomycin has an anticancer effect in which it leads to the occurrence of DNA strand breaks by producing the free radicals. This causes DNA synthesis to be inhibited and the death of cancer cells. As opposed to most other chemotherapeutic agents, Bleomycin has comparatively less bone marrow suppression side effects, but is closely linked to pulmonary toxicity which is its most significant dose-limiting adverse event.

Indications of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

The uses of bleomycin are in Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular cancer, and squamous cell carcinomas. It is usually used as a part of combination chemotherapy programs like ABVD.

Mechanism of action of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Bleomycin attaches to DNA and creates complexes which produce free radicals when oxygen and metal ions are present. Such free radicals result in single and double strands of DNA break resulting in DNA synthesis inhibition. It is the most active at G2 stage of the cell cycle.

How to consume Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Bleomycin is given intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously but only under the care of the medical experts. It is cycle based and according to body surface area. During treatment, close attention should be paid to lung functioning.

Side Effects of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

1. Common Side Effects

• Fever
• Chills
• Skin hyperpigmentation
• Fatigue
• Nausea

2. Serious side effects

• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Interstitial pneumonitis
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions

3. Rare side Effects

• Anaphylaxis
• Severe skin reactions
• Mucosal ulceration

Safety Advice for Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

The worst side effect is pulmonary toxicity and due to this reason, patients on Bleomycin should be closely monitored, especially lung functions. Risk reduction should be done by limiting the cumulative dose.

Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding should be avoided when taking breastfeeding since it could be transferred into breast milk and cause damage to the baby.

Pregnancy: Its cytotoxic and teratogenic effects are contraindicated.

Alcohol: Alcohol is to be avoided because it can cause liver stress and aggravate the overall toxicity.

Liver: It is important to monitor liver impaired patients but hepatic toxicity is not as frequent as with other types of drugs.

Lungs: Lung inspection is very crucial. Bleomycin may lead to interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosis of the lungs which might not be reversible. The initial symptoms like dry cough and shortness of breath should be reported promptly.

Kidney: Renal failure could slow down the drug clearance resulting in its buildup and subsequent toxicity. Adjustment of dose might be necessary.

Driving: Patients can feel fatigued or weak, avoid driving when they have symptoms.

Interaction of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

• Drug–Drug Interaction

Oxygen therapy × Bleomycin

Excessive amounts of oxygen greatly put the patient at risk of lung toxicity. This is particularly necessary when in anesthesia or respiratory therapy when oxygen exposure must be well-regulated.

Cisplatin × Bleomycin

Cisplatin could also affect the renal clearance, decreasing the clearance of Bleomycin and increasing the chances of pulmonary toxicity and general adverse effects.

Bleomycin × Other cytotoxic drugs.

The combination of both might result in higher toxicity such as lung toxicity and side effects in general.

Radiotherapy × Bleomycin

May supplements pulmonary toxicity because of the additive effects on the lung tissue.

• Drug–Food Interaction

None of the food interactions are important as Bleomycin is given parenterally. However, when receiving therapy it is important to remain well fed and hydrated.

• Drug–Disease Interaction of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Lung disease:

Bleomycin has serious pulmonary toxicity such as pneumonitis and fibrosis. At-risk patients are those with pre-existing lung disease which is at a very high risk. Even small doses can cause some serious complications.

Renal impairment:

The kidneys are the main exporters of Bleomycin. Poor kidney functioning brings about the build up of the drug and higher chances of poisoning, particularly lung damage.

Skin disorders:

Skin effects that may be caused by bleomycin include hyper pigmentation and skin thickening. Patients who already have skin conditions might have an aggravation of their symptoms.

Elderly patients:

The patients are more susceptible to pulmonary toxicity and the elderly patients should be monitored closely in regards to the dose.

Contraindication of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Should not be used in hypersensitivity, severe pulmonary disease and during pregnancy.

Dosage of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Dosage is dependent on the body surface area and administered in cycles. To prevent pulmonary toxicity careful attention should be paid to the cumulative dose.

Storage of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Store in favorable conditions, without light and heat.

Missed Dose of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

In case a dose is missed, then it is to be taken as soon as possible under the supervision of any medical personnel.

Other General Information of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

Follow-up should be regularly done and particularly of the lung functions. The symptoms such as cough, breathlessness or chest discomfort should be reported immediately by the patients.

FAQs of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

1. Why pulmonary toxicity is the most critical side effect of Bleomycin?

It is due to the fact that it could result in irreversible fibrosis of the lungs, which could prove to be fatal in case it is not detected early.

2. What is the rationale in caution in the use of oxygen therapy?

Increase of oxygen leads to the formation of free radicals, which increases lung damage by Bleomycin.

3. Bleomycin: Is there bone marrow suppression?

It induces only mild bone marrow suppression as opposed to other chemotherapy drugs which is reckoned a special plus.

4. Why is cumulative dose important?

To prevent pulmonary toxicity careful attention should be paid to the cumulative dose.

5. What are the symptoms of lung toxicity?

The initial symptoms include dry cough, breathlessness and fever which must be reported as soon as possible.

Fact Box of Bleokey 15IU (Bleomycin 15 units) injection

References

• FDA Prescribing Information – Bleomycin
  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/050443s052lbl.pdf
• European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Bleomycin Product Information
  https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/bleomycin-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• DrugBank – Bleomycin
  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00290
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Bleomycin
  https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/bleomycin