Pricing
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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Bendamustine is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Its efficacy compared with first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established. In non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Bendamaxis is indicated for indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen. Bendamustine is also indicated in multiple myeloma.
Pharmacology
Bendamustine is a derivative of mechlorethamine with two reactive arms, and it can form electrophilic alkyl groups that bond covalently to other molecules. It works as an alkylating agent. In this way it creates intra- and inter-strand crosslinks between DNA bases, and this leads to cell death. Bendamustine is active against both active and quiescent cells, though the exact mechanism of action is not known.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
For chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, the bendamustine dose is 100 mg/m2, infused over 30 to 60 min on days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, for up to 6 cycles. If severe haematological or non-haematological toxicity occurs, the dose is reduced to 50 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of each cycle. If severe haematological toxicity recurs, it is reduced further to 25 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of each cycle. Raising the dose again in later cycles may be considered.
For multiple myeloma, the dose is 120 to 150 mg/m2, infused over 30 to 60 min on days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle. Prednisone, given either IV or by mouth, may be added at 60 mg/m2 on days 1 to 4 of the cycle.
For Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, bendamustine is given at 120 mg/m2, infused over 30 to 60 min on days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, for up to 8 cycles. If severe haematological or non-haematological toxicity occurs, the dose is reduced to 90 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of each cycle. If severe toxicity recurs, it is reduced further to 60 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2 of each cycle.
Side Effects
Bendamustine can cause malignant and pre-malignant disease. Other side effects include fever, nausea, vomiting, cough, headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight decrease, rash and stomatitis. It can also affect the blood, causing lymphopenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and neutropenia.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindications
Bendamustine must not be given to patients with a history of hypersensitivity, such as anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions. It is also contraindicated in jaundice, severe bone marrow suppression, and low leukocyte or platelet counts. Other contraindications are severe hepatic impairment and major surgery less than 30 days before treatment.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Bendamustine is in pregnancy category D. This means there is positive evidence of risk to the human fetus. Even so, the benefit of using it in a pregnant woman may be acceptable despite that risk, for example when the medicine is needed in a life-threatening situation, or for a serious disease where safer drugs can't be used or don't work.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
In moderate hepatic impairment, reduce the Bendamustine dose by 30%.
Overdose
An overdose of Bendamustine can cause cardiotoxicity and thrombocytopenia. To control the haematological effects, bone marrow transplantation and transfusions may be performed. Bendamustine can be removed by dialysis, but only to a small extent.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Bendamustine below 25° C until it is reconstituted, and protect it from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Bendamax 25 mg
What is Bendamax 25 mg IV Infusion?
Bendamax 25 mg IV Infusion is a medicine that contains Bendamustine. It is made by Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC. It belongs to the Cytotoxic Chemotherapy group of medicines.
What is Bendamax used for?
Bendamustine is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Its efficacy compared with first line therapies other than chlorambucil has not been established.
What are the side effects of Bendamax?
Bendamustine can cause malignant and pre-malignant disease. Other side effects include fever, nausea, vomiting, cough, headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight decrease, rash and stomatitis.
Can I take Bendamax during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Bendamustine is in pregnancy category D. This means there is positive evidence of risk to the human fetus. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Bendamax?
An overdose of Bendamustine can cause cardiotoxicity and thrombocytopenia. To control the haematological effects, bone marrow transplantation and transfusions may be performed. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Bendamax?
Keep Bendamustine below 25° C until it is reconstituted, and protect it from light.
Can I take other medicines with Bendamax?
Some medicines can interact with Bendamustine, for example: Obinutuzumab, Polatuzumab Vedotin, Ciprofloxacin, Omeprazole, Fluvoxamine Maleate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Bendamax?
Bendamax is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.