Health Library

Bendamustine (By injection)

Bendamustine (ben-da-MUS-teen)

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

Brand Name(s):

Belrapzo, Bendeka, Treanda, Vivimusta

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through an IV 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.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• 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. Your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, or any kind of infection.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Tumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problems that can be life-threatening)
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (serious brain condition)
  • Serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
  • Liver problems
  • Increased risk for other cancers, including myelodysplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders, acute myeloid leukemia, bronchial carcinoma, and non-melanoma skin cancer
• 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.
• Some men who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• 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 While Using This Medicine:

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, red skin rash
• Confusion, problems with memory, vision, speech, or walking
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Persistent non-healing sore, pink growth, shiny bump, white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area
• 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
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
• 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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024