Description

Bendamustine, an anti-cancer drug, is prescribed for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The drug is also prescribed for the treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is drug-resistant to other therapies.

Precautions

Bendamustine is contraindicated in smokers, patients with hepatic diseases, metabolic disorders, infections, immune disorders, liver diseases and renal disorders. Bendamustine may impair thinking and mental alertness. Do not use drive vehicles or operate machineries while taking Bendamustine.

Other Drug Interactions

Bendamustine may interact with

· thiabendazole,

· ciprofloxacin,

· carbamazepine

· fluvoxamine,

· cimetidine

· Omeprazole.

Dosage

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (Adults):

The recommended adult dosage of Bendamustine for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is 100 mg/m2, IV, on days 1 & 2 of 28 days cycle.

The treatment can be continued up to 6 cycles. The infusion should be administered over 30 minutes.
Dosage modifications may be needed in case of hematological toxicity. In such cases 50 mg/m2 on days 1&2 of each cycle. In severe toxicity, the dosage can be reduced to 25 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of each cycle. In case of severe non-hematological toxicity, 50 mg/m2 on days 1 & 2 of each cycle should be administered.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (Adults):
The recommended adult dosage of Bendamustine for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia is 120 mg/m2, IV, on days 1 & 2 of 21 days cycle. The treatment can be continued up to 8 cycles. The infusion should be administered over 60 minutes.
Dosage modifications may be needed in case of hematological toxicity. In such cases 90 mg/m2 on days 1 & 2 of each cycle. In severe toxicity, the dosage can be reduced to 60 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of each cycle. In case of severe non-hematological toxicity, 60-90 mg/m2 on days 1 & 2 of each cycle should be administered.

Bendamustine and Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy
USFDA pregnancy category D. Bendamustine can harm the unborn fetus. Perform pregnancy tests before using Bendamustine. Use effective contraceptive modes to prevent unintended pregnancies while taking Bendamustine.

Bendamustine and Lactation

It is unclear whether the drug could pass through the breast milk to a breast feeding baby. Consult your physician before taking Bendamustine, if you are nursing mother.