Brand Names: Treanda

Generic Name: bendamustine (Pronunciation: BEN da MUS teen)

• What is bendamustine (Treanda)?
• What are the possible side effects of bendamustine (Treanda)?
• What is the most important information I should know about bendamustine (Treanda)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive bendamustine (Treanda)?
• How is bendamustine given (Treanda)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Treanda)?
• What happens if I overdose (Treanda)?
• What should I avoid while receiving bendamustine (Treanda)?
• What other drugs will affect bendamustine (Treanda)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is bendamustine (Treanda)?

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 are the possible side effects of bendamustine (Treanda)?

Some people receiving a bendamustine injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you have fever, chills, itching, or skin rash during or shortly after the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;
• easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin, unusual weakness;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;
• lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual or not at all;
• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth;
• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes;
• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, confusion;
• dry mouth, feeling very thirsty or hot, heavy sweating or hot and dry skin;
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or
• pain, swelling, redness, skin changes, or signs of infection where the medicine was injected.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• loss of appetite, weight loss; or
• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Treanda (bendamustine hydrochloride injection) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about bendamustine (Treanda)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to bendamustine or mannitol (Osmitrol).

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.