Bendamustine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a type of cancer that starts from white blood cells called lymphocytes). It is used for those who have failed previous therapy.
Bendamustine is also used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many lymphocytes).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Bendamustine injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Bendamustine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Bendamustine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe bone marrow depression (a condition in which the blood cells are low)
- infection especially if it comes with a decrease in white blood cell count in your blood
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes with stomach pain, persistent tiredness, nausea or vomiting)
- had major surgery in less than 30 days before starting your treatment
- severe liver disease
as Bendamustine may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated for yellow fever. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bone marrow depression or weak immune system
- current or history of heart disease
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Bendamustine therapy and for 6 months (in both men and women) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor or pharmacist.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Bendamustine may cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, mouth sore, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, weakness, tiredness, bone or joint pain, hair loss, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- signs and symptoms of a heart attack e.g. chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder, or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- confusion, changes in vision, memory loss, difficulty in thinking or speaking, walking problems
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes, tender or enlarged lymph nodes accompanied by fever
- new warts, changes in size or color of a mole, reddish skin bump that bleeds or does not heal
- pain, redness, swelling, skin sores, blisters or burning sensation on the injection site
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
This medicine will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- fluvoxamine (medicine to treat depression)
- acyclovir (medicine to treat viral infection)
- ciprofloxacin (certain antibiotic)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bendamustine.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Bendamustine is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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