Bendamustine injection is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). Bendamustine injection is also used to treat a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL: cancer that begins in a type of white blood cell that normally fights infection) that is slow spreading, but has continued to worsen during or after treatment with another medication. Bendamustine is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by killing existing cancer cells and limiting the growth of new cancer cells.
Bendamustine comes as a powder to be added to fluid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital outpatient clinic. When bendamustine injection is used to treat CLL, it is usually injected once a day for 2 days, followed by 26 days when the medication is not given. This treatment period is called a cycle, and the cycle may be repeated every 28 days for as long as 6 cycles. When bendamustine injection is used to treat NHL, it is usually injected once a day for 2 days, followed by 19 days when the medication is not given. This treatment cycle may be repeated every 21 days for up to 8 cycles.
Your doctor may need to delay your treatment and adjust your dose if you experience certain side effects. Your doctor may also give you other medication(s) to prevent or treat certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with bendamustine injection.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Call your doctor right away if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive a dose of bendamustine injection.
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
heartburn
constipation
stomach pain or swelling
sores or white patches in the mouth
dry mouth
bad taste in the mouth or difficulty tasting food
loss of appetite
weight loss
headache
anxiety
depression
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
back, bone, joint, arm or leg pain
dry skin
sweating
night sweats
pain in the place where the medication was injected
hives
rash
itching
blistering or peeling skin
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
shortness of breath
chest pain
fast heartbeat
excessive tiredness or weakness
pale skin
fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
unusual bleeding or bruising
Bendamustine injection may cause infertility in some men. This infertility may end after treatment, may last for several years, or may be permanent. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.
Some people developed other types of cancer while they were using bendamustine injection. There is not enough information to tell whether bendamustine injection caused these cancers to develop. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.
Bendamustine injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
drowsiness
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
problems with coordination
seizures
difficulty breathing
rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to bendamustine injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 01/01/2009
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.