Bendeka

Generic name: bendamustine hydrochloride

Drug class: Alkylating agents

Dosage form: Injection

Route of administration: Intravenous infusion

Dose:

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): 100 mg/m² administered intravenously over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles.
• Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): 120 mg/m² administered intravenously over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to 8 cycles.

Mechanism of action: Bendamustine hydrochloride is an alkylating agent that damages DNA by forming interstrand crosslinks, leading to cell death. It is active against both resting and dividing cells, inhibiting DNA replication and transcription.

Drug usage cases:

• Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
• Treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within 6 months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.

Drug contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to bendamustine hydrochloride, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, or monothioglycerol.

Side effects:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash
• Mouth irritation
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• Decreased white blood cell count (leukopenia)

Warnings:

• Myelosuppression: Severe suppression of bone marrow function, leading to low blood cell counts, is common. Monitor blood counts regularly and adjust dosing as needed.
• Infections: Increased risk of infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, and hepatitis. Monitor for signs of infection and treat promptly.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. Discontinue treatment if such reactions occur.
• Tumor lysis syndrome: Rapid breakdown of tumor cells can lead to metabolic disturbances. Monitor for signs and manage accordingly.
• Fetal harm: Bendamustine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Bendamustine hydrochloride can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. It is not known whether bendamustine hydrochloride is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 1 week after the last dose.