Common side effects of bleomycin include:

Pulmonary (lung) toxicity: Occurs in about 10% of patients. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, cough, or chest pain. In rare cases (about 1%), this can progress to serious lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) and can be fatal.
Skin reactions: Up to 50% of patients may experience skin changes such as redness, rash, darkening, thickening, blisters, or tenderness. Nail changes, hair loss, itching, and mouth sores can also occur.
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite and weight loss
General malaise (feeling unwell)
Pain at the injection site
Rare severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions: About 1% of lymphoma patients may experience this, especially after the first or second dose.

Other rare side effects include changes in kidney or liver function, and vascular problems such as blood clots or Raynaud’s phenomenon (reduced blood flow to fingers and toes).

bleomycin

Common brand names

Approved use in