Trade name

Innomustine^®

What Bendamustine is and what it is used for?

• Bendamustine is an alkylating agent that exerts its anticancer activity by reacting with DNA and interfering with DNA replication and cell division. This stops the growth and spread of cancer cell in the body.
• Bendamusitne can be given alone or in combination with other medicines to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

How Bendamustine is given?

• It is given as an infusion into the vein over one hour for two consecutive days.

What should I know while receiving Bendamustine?

• An allergic reaction may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, breathing difficulties, swelling of throat or face, or hives. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not use bendamustine when you are pregnant. Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• Do not breastfeed and for 1 week after the last dose.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells and have sufficient organ functions to receive bendamustine. The dose and timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• Bendamustine may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of bendamustine. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially heart diseases, liver or kidney problems.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Diarrhea or constipation

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve the symptoms.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Headache

Tell your doctor if this happens. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any pain relievers.

• Weakness or fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

Less common side effects

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Mouth sore

Your doctor can give you medicines that help you ease the discomfort. Good mouth care will help prevent mouth sores.

• Cough or trouble breathing

Bendamustine may affect how you breathe. Tell your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.

Rare but serious side effects

• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)

TLS is a life-threatening condition that happens when the large amount of cancer cells die too quickly and their wastes release into the blood stream. Symptoms of TLS include general fatigue, muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeat, decreased urination, throwing up, or confusion. Your doctor will monitor you closely and prescribe medicines to prevent its development.

More Information

• Many drugs may interact with bendamustine. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help make your recovery a smoother process.