Bendamustine: A Comprehensive Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Bendamustine is an essential chemotherapy medication primarily utilized in treating Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma. It works by disrupting the growth of cancer cells in the body. As with any drug, Bendamustine has potential side effects, which your healthcare provider can discuss with you. Always consult with your physician or one of our telemedicine professionals before altering your treatment regimen.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Treanda (Bendamustine)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the common or non-proprietary name of a medication, given irrespective of the brand. In this case, Bendamustine is the generic name (which is always given in parentheses).

Pharmacologic Category

Bendamustine belongs to the pharmacologic category known as alkylating agents, similar to drugs like cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, and busulfan.

Dosing

It is crucial to remember that Bendamustine is a powerful medication, and its dose, frequency, and duration of treatment can vary significantly based on the disease it is treating. Never adjust your treatment without consulting your physician or one of our telemedicine professionals.

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: 120 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, for up to 6 cycles.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: 100 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, for up to 6 cycles.
• Multiple Myeloma: Bendamustine is not a first-line treatment for Multiple Myeloma. Dosing depends on the treatment protocol and patient condition, and must be determined by a physician.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Bendamustine is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Injection: 25 mg/mL, 45 mL single-dose vial (1.12 g/vial)
• Injection: 100 mg powder for reconstitution in a single-dose vial.

Administration Instructions

Bendamustine is administered intravenously by a healthcare provider. It is not a medication to be self-administered at home. Always ensure your treatment is performed under the supervision of a qualified health professional, which can be arranged through our telemedicine service.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Bendamustine, like all medications, can cause side effects. Though not all of these may occur, if they do, they may require medical attention. Contact your doctor or one of our telemedicine professionals immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Fatigue, cough, diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, rash.
• Less common (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Infections, anemia, low blood platelets, allergic reactions.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a particular medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient. For Bendamustine, the following are contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to Bendamustine: Patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to Bendamustine should avoid it because it may cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
• Severe liver impairment: As Bendamustine is processed in the liver, patients with severe liver disease are at increased risk of side effects.
• Yellow fever vaccine: Concurrent use of the yellow fever vaccine with Bendamustine is contraindicated due to the potential for a fatal systemic vaccine-derived yellow fever infection.

Drug to Drug Interactions

It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you’re currently taking as some drugs can interact with Bendamustine. The list includes:

• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Sirolimus (Rapamune)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Bendamustine in Pregnancy

Bendamustine may harm an unborn baby. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Women who might become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

Bendamustine while Breastfeeding

It’s unclear whether Bendamustine passes into breast milk, but due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfeeding infant, it is advised to avoid breastfeeding while on this medication.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Bendamustine, without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon is approximately $2,500 to $3,000. Remember that costs may vary based on your location and the pharmacy you choose.

Possible Alternatives

Alternatives to Bendamustine depend on the disease being treated and the patient’s specific condition. These alternatives should be discussed with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Alternative treatments can include other chemotherapy drugs like R-CHOP, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplant. Living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a balanced diet can also be beneficial.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Other treatment options can include monoclonal antibodies like rituximab, targeted drug therapy, or stem cell transplant. Regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet can support overall health.
• Multiple Myeloma: Alternatives include immunomodulatory drugs like lenalidomide, proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib, or autologous stem cell transplant. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help to improve overall well-being.

Recent Updates on Bendamustine Research

Recent research on Bendamustine has shown promising results in treating several types of lymphomas and leukemias. Some studies suggest that Bendamustine in combination with other medications can improve response rates. Always consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals for the latest and most personalized treatment advice.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.