What is bendamustine?
Bendamustine is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Bendamustine is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Bendamustine is also used to treat indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of this condition.
Bendamustine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about bendamustine?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to bendamustine or mannitol (Osmitrol).
Do not receive bendamustine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.
Before you receive bendamustine, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, fever or other signs of infection, a metabolic disorder or electrolyte imbalance, liver or kidney disease, or if you smoke.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have a fever, chills, itching, or skin rash during or shortly after the injection.
Other serious side effects to tell your doctor about include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, feeling short of breath, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, severe skin rash, weak pulse, muscle weakness, fast or slow heart rate, confusion, lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual, or swelling, redness, or signs of where the medicine was injected.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive bendamustine?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to bendamustine or mannitol (Osmitrol).
To make sure you can safely receive bendamustine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not receive bendamustine if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether bendamustine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Some people receiving bendamustine have developed certain types of cancers. It is not known whether this medication causes cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using bendamustine.