Newest Treatment for CLL
Indication: As an alkylating agent, the drug bendamustine is indicated for treatment of Patients with Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Additionally bendamustine can be prescribed for the treatment of patients with Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within 6 months of the RITUXIMAB treatment or a rituximab containing regimen.
Side Effects: The most commonly observed bendamustine side effects may include:
- Rash
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased platelets count
- Mouth ulcers and irritation
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Low red and white blood cells
Some other reported side effects may include:
- Infections
- Other cancers
- Tissue damage
- Kidney or liver damage
How Bendamustine Is Given: Bendamustine is recommended to be given as an infusion into a vein. Bendamustine usually doesn't come in the form of pills.
The bendamustine dose that you will be given depends on several factors, including your blood counts, height, and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type condition you're being treated. Your healthcare practitioner will determine your appropriate dose as well as schedule.
Interaction: Some possible bendamustine drug interactions are as follows:
- Bendamustine’s active metabolites, gamma-hydroxy bendamustine and N-desmethyl-bendamustine are developed with the help of CYP 1A2; thus, inhibitors as well as inducers of the CYP 1A2 may be responsible for affecting the circulating levels of this drug as well as its active metabolites.
- This drug is considered unlikely to inhibit/induce the metabolism of the substrates of CYP isoenzymes.
- In vitro data shows that bendamustine may be a substrate for P-glycoprotein.
Storage: Store injection of Bendamustine hydrochloride in refrigerator, 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The bendamustine injection should be retained in the original carton until the time of use to protect from light.
NOTE: The piece of information provided in this article is just for informational purposes and is not served as a substitute for the medical treatment, consultation, diagnosis, of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
FAQ's
What are the uses of bendamustine?
- As a chemotherapy medicine, bendamustine uses are as follows:
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
- Multiple Myeloma
- non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
What are the side effects of bendamustine?
The common side effects of bendamustine 100 mg may include fever, low blood cell counts, cough, nausea, diarrhea, rash and loss of appetite.
Will I lose my hair on bendamustine?
Notably, bendamustine has a low incidence of hair loss (alopecia) unlike most other chemotherapy medications.
How often is bendamustine given?
Bendamustine should usually be given for 2 days in a row every 21-28 days. For Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, you have a total of 6 cycles. On the other hand, for the treatment of Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) bendamustine and rituximab combined regimen can be used. Your healthcare practitioner will determine how long you'll be treated with this medication.
Is bendamustine a strong chemo drug?
Bendamustine specifically is an anti-cancer chemo drug that falls under alkylating agents.
How safe is bendamustine?
Several studies concluded that bendamustine is quite safe as well as effective therapy for patients with lymphoma and leukemia.
What is the cost of bendamustine?
The bendamustine cost is absolutely reasonable. The price of a vial of 1 injection may range from around 2,000 INR to 9,500 INR.
What class of drug is bendamustine?
Bendamustine falls under the class of drugs named alkylating agents. It acts in order to kill the existing cancer cells and limit the growth of new cancerous cells.
How is bendamustine given?
Bendamustine is administered as an infusion into a vein. A doctor will administer you this injection. Bendamustine injection is usually given for two days in a row every 21-28 days.
What are the side effects of bendamustine?
Bendamustine HCL side effects include fatigue, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, fever, cough, unintentional weight loss, headache, difficulty breathing, stomatitis,
rashes, immunosuppression, anemia, and low platelet counts.
Can I take other drugs while taking treatment with Bendamustine?
Talk with your healthcare practitioner about any drugs you are taking or plan to take. Some types of drug may be responsible for impacting the way Bendamustine works in the body.
Are there any foods I should avoid while on Bendamustine treatment?
A healthy diet is crucial when you're being treated for your cancer. The appropriate diet can help you in order to keep up your strength as well as energy level. But getting the right nutrition may be difficult if you don’t feel well. Some individuals lose their appetite or have trouble eating due to adverse reactions from chemotherapy.
Inform your doctor about any concerns you are facing about eating. They may assist you make diet changes that will be effective for you to cope with certain adverse reactions.
