Bendamustine (By injection)

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Treats chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Bendamustine injection is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL, cancer of white blood cells) and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in patients who have already received other treatments. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Bendamustine belongs to a group of cancer medicines called alkylating agents.

Before you begin treatment with bendamustine, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will have as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, bendamustine is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:

Breast cancer, metastatic (breast cancer that has already spread).

Multiple myeloma (a type of cancer in the bone marrow).

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how bendamustine works. Tell your doctor if you are using ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, or omeprazole.

Do not smoke while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to bendamustine, or if you are pregnant.

Warnings

It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Both men and women should continue to use birth control for 3 months after treatment ends.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any kind of infection.

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Tumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problems that can be life-threatening) Serious skin reactions

This medicine may make you feel weak or tired. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

Pain, redness, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite

Tiredness, headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Bendeka, Treanda

There may be other brand names for this medicine.