Often used for:
Leukemia; lymphoma
What is bendamustine?
Bendamustine is a type of chemotherapy that slows or stops the growth of cells. It is usually used together with other medicines. Patients will have regular blood draws to check blood counts and liver and kidney function. Because this medicine can affect the heart, heart function is closely monitored. Bendamustine can cause tissue damage or blisters if it leaks from the vein. Tell your care team if there is skin irritation or burning at the IV site.
Possible late effects
- Fertility problems
- Second cancers
- Heart problems
- Liver problems
Possible side effects
- Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and fatigue)
- Fatigue or weakness
- Headache
- Skin rash, redness, or dryness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fever
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Heartburn
- Mouth sores
- Change in taste
- Night sweats
- Increased sweating
- Problems sleeping
- Anxiety
- Bone, joint, or muscle pain
- Skin irritation at the IV site
- Liver problems
- Fertility problems (may be temporary or long-term)
- Tumor lysis syndrome
- Infusion-related reactions: Symptoms may include chills, shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, low blood pressure, pain in the chest, swelling of the face or neck
- Not all patients who take bendamustine will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all symptoms or side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Tell the care team about any symptoms during the infusion; reactions can occur.
- Medicines may be prescribed to reduce nausea and vomiting.
- This medicine can weaken the immune system. Wash hands often, keep patient areas clean, and avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Good mouth care, a soft food diet, lip care, and ice therapy can help prevent or treat mouth sores. Use any prescribed mouth rinse as directed.
- This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy.
- Your child may bleed more easily. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor, and avoid activities that could cause injury.
- Watch for symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) such as confusion, memory loss, headache, vision or speech changes, loss of balance or coordination, weakness on one side of the body, or changes in mood or behavior and seek medical help immediately.
- Discuss fertility risks and options for protecting fertility before treatment.
- Sexually active patients should prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after therapy is complete.
- Inform the care team if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Follow chemotherapy safety instructions and avoid contact with patient body fluids for 48 hours after treatment.
