Bendamustine
About Bendamustine
Bendamustine is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of blood and lymph cancers, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It works by targeting and slowing the growth of cancer cells in the body. This medicine is prescribed when other initial treatments may not have worked or when the disease has returned.
Since Bendamustine is given as an intravenous infusion in a clinic or hospital, it is scheduled in cycles by your healthcare team. It is crucial to attend all scheduled infusion appointments to maintain a consistent level of the medicine in your body. Because it is given directly into a vein, food intake does not affect how it is absorbed, but staying well-hydrated before and after your sessions is highly recommended to support your kidneys.
Some people may experience common side effects like nausea, extreme tiredness, low blood cell counts, or mild fever. It is very important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms such as signs of a severe infection (like high fever or chills), unusual bruising or bleeding, or breathing difficulties.
Do not take this if you have a known severe allergy to any of its ingredients, or if you have severe liver damage or severe kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before starting Bendamustine if you have a history of heart problems, active infections, or liver conditions.
Bendamustine can interact with other medications that affect your immune system or liver function, which may increase the risk of severe side effects. It is highly advised to avoid alcohol and smoking during treatment as they can strain your liver and worsen fatigue. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider immediately, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Bendamustine
Medicinal Benefits
Bendamustine helps treat certain blood and lymph cancers by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells. When used as prescribed, it helps control disease progression, relieve cancer-related symptoms, and support better long-term treatment outcomes.
- Helps Control Blood and Lymph Cancers: By targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells, this medicine helps manage conditions such as leukaemia and lymphoma, supporting remission when achievable and slowing disease progression.
- Relieves Cancer-Related Symptoms: As the number of cancer cells decreases, this medicine may help reduce symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue, improving daily comfort and quality of life.
- Supports Recovery Between Treatment Cycles: Given in planned treatment cycles, this medicine allows healthy cells time to recover between doses, helping support your body's strength and tolerance throughout cancer therapy.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Bendamustine will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Bendamustine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Mild fever or headache
- Diarrhoea or loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of infection, such as a high fever, severe chills, sore throat, or cough
- Unusual bruising, easy bleeding, or dark, tarry stools
- Severe skin reactions, including painful rashes, peeling skin, or blisters
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine (signs of liver damage)
- Shortness of breath, chest tightness, or swelling in your legs
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the Infusion Site: Inform your nurse immediately if you feel any burning, pain, swelling, or redness near the injection site during or after the infusion.
- Do Not Get Live Vaccines: Avoid getting live vaccines (such as the shingles, measles, or oral polio vaccines) during treatment, as your weakened immune system may not react safely.
- Monitor Your Temperature Daily: Keep a reliable thermometer at home and check your temperature if you feel unwell. A fever during chemotherapy is a medical emergency.
- Use Reliable Contraception: Both men and women should use highly effective birth control during treatment and for several months afterwards to prevent pregnancy, as Bendamustine can cause severe birth defects.
- Prepare for Routine Blood Tests: Expect to have regular blood tests before each treatment cycle to monitor your liver function, kidney health, and blood cell counts.
Drug Interactions
- CYP1A2 Inhibitors/Inducers: Medicines that affect the liver enzyme CYP1A2 (such as fluvoxamine or ciprofloxacin) can change how your body breaks down Bendamustine, potentially increasing side effects or reducing effectiveness.
- Immunosuppressants: Taking other drugs that weaken the immune system can dangerously increase your risk of severe infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit or avoid consumption of alcohol as it may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
unsafeBendamustine is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Bendamustine. Use reliable methods of birth control while on treatment with Bendamustine.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are a nursing mother, inform your doctor before receiving Bendamustine. You should not breastfeed while on treatment with Bendamustine.
Driving
not applicable-
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Bendamustine. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition. Bendamustine is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Bendamustine. A dose adjustment of this medicine or a suitable alternative may be advised based on your condition. This medicine should be avoided for patients with CrCl <40 ml/min.
Children
unsafeBendamustine is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay Well-Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids (such as water or clear broths) before, during, and after your treatment days. This helps your kidneys flush out the waste products of destroyed cancer cells and reduces the risk of kidney complications.
- Eat Small, Frequent Meals: To help manage nausea, try eating smaller portions of bland foods throughout the day instead of three large meals. Avoid greasy, spicy, or extremely sweet foods.
- Practice Strict Hygiene: Because Bendamustine can temporarily lower your white blood cell count (reducing your body's ability to fight infections), wash your hands frequently. Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are sick.
- Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Your skin may become more sensitive during treatment. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit your time in direct sunlight.
- Prioritise Rest: Fatigue is a very common side effect. Listen to your body and schedule regular rest periods throughout the day, while maintaining light activity like walking if your doctor approves.
Special Advise
- A blood test should be performed, such as a liver function test, or renal function test, to check for liver/kidney function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin’s Leukemia: Non-Hodgkin’s disease or Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects your lymph system. It causes the uncontrollable growth of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. The lymph system is a part of the immune system which protects your body from disease and infections. In indolent B cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the cancer cells grow slowly in the B lymphocytes. Symptoms include lymph node swelling, abdominal pain, chest pain, cough, fever, and night sweats.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the bone marrow and blood. It increases the number of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). The symptoms include fever, enlarged liver, bone or joint pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and bleeding from gums or bruises.
FAQs
Hair thinning or mild hair loss can occur while receiving Bendamustine, although complete hair loss is less common than with some other chemotherapy medicines. Constipation may also occur in some people. These side effects are usually manageable. Tell your doctor if they become severe, persist, or interfere with your daily activities.
Bendamustine is given as an intravenous infusion into a vein by a trained healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the infusion process.
Some people feel very tired, dizzy, or weak after receiving an infusion of Bendamustine. It is best to have someone drive you to and from your appointments until you know how the medicine affects you. Talk to your doctor for personalised advice.
Treatment with Bendamustine is given in structured cycles determined by your doctor. A cycle typically lasts a few weeks, with the medicine given on specific days. Talk to your doctor to understand your specific treatment plan.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Bendamustine. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver strain and worsen side effects like nausea and fatigue. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before drinking any alcohol.
Bendamustine can lower your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Regular blood tests are essential to ensure your blood counts recover safely before your next dose. Talk to your doctor about your blood test results.
A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is a medical emergency when you are receiving Bendamustine, as it can indicate a serious infection. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately. Talk to your doctor about infection signs.
No, you should not plan to conceive during treatment. Bendamustine can cause severe harm to a developing baby. Use highly effective birth control during treatment and for the time period recommended by your healthcare team. Talk to your doctor about safe family planning options.
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