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Bendamustine
What is Bendamustine for?
Bendamustine belongs to a class of medications called alkylating agents. It stops cells from replicating and dividing by interfering with their nucleic acid function. This kills cells and inhibits the growth of malignant tumours. Bendamustine is therefore used to treat multiple types of white blood cell cancers and lymph cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How to use it?
Bendamustine is injected through a needle into a vein as directed by your doctor. This process requires many hours, and you will need to rest in the hospital ward or clinic when you are on the medicine drip. Before you start using Bendamustine, you may be given fluid drips to make you pass more urine. This may continue for another day after the treatment. You may also be given other medicines beforehand to prevent or lessen the side effects of Bendamustine. The dosage of Bendamustine is calculated by your doctor based on your total body surface area. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your condition.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Adult
Infusion of 100 mg per m2 body surface area on days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles.
Multiple myeloma
Adult
Infusion of 120-150 mg per m2 body surface area on days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle. May be used together with intravenous or oral Prednisone on days 1-4.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Adult
Infusion of 120 mg per m2 body surface area on days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle for up to 8 cycles.
What are the side effects of Bendamustine?
Common side effects of Bendamustine include nausea, vomiting, increased cough, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, decreased appetite, rash, stomach discomfort and insomnia.
Who should not take Bendamustine?
- People who are allergic to Bendamustine or any component of the formulation
- Patients with jaundice
- Patients with severe bone marrow suppression, low leukocyte or platelet count
- Patients who have undergone major surgery in the past 30 days
Pharmacist Tips:
- This medication can cause fatigue. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Bendamustine.
- If you experience infections, severe or worsening skin rash or itching, report to your doctor immediately.
- Bendamustine will affect your fertility. Avoid pregnancy and use effective contraception during treatment and at least for 3 months (men) or 6 months (women) after the final dose.
- Avoid smoking while taking this medication.
Common dosing schedule:
Your doctor will advise you on the dosing schedule depending on your condition.
Some common medications Bendamustine may interact with:
Bendamustine may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Bendamustine in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Bendamustine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Bendamustine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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