Bendamustine Injection

Bendamustine injection is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). Bendamustine injection is also used to treat a type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL: cancer that begins in a type of white blood cell that normally fights infection) that is slow spreading, but has continued to worsen during or after treatment with another medication. Bendamustine is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by killing existing cancer cells and limiting the growth of new cancer cells.

When bendamustine injection is used to treat CLL, it is usually injected once a day for 2 days, followed by 26 days when the medication is not given. This treatment period is called a cycle, and the cycle may be repeated every 28 days for as long as 6 cycles. When bendamustine injection is used to treat NHL, it is usually injected once a day for 2 days, followed by 19 days when the medication is not given. This treatment cycle may be repeated every 21 days for up to 8 cycles.

Bendamustine injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• constipation
• stomach pain or swelling
• sores or white patches in the mouth
• dry mouth
• bad taste in the mouth or difficulty tasting food
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• headache
• anxiety
• depression
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• back, bone, joint, arm or leg pain
• dry skin
• sweating
• night sweats
• pain in the place where the medication was injected

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• hives
• rash
• itching
• blistering or peeling skin
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• fast heartbeat
• excessive tiredness or weakness
• pale skin
• fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Bendamustine injection may cause infertility in some men. This infertility may end after treatment, may last for several years, or may be permanent. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.