Bendamustine

Bendamustine goes by the trade name of Treanda. This is yet another anti-cancer drug which comes under the classification of alkylating agents.

What is the purpose of this drug?

This drug is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL. It is also used to treat indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

How is this drug administered?

This drug comes in an inject able form and is given via the vein or intravenously. There is no capsule or pill form of this medication. The amount that is administered depends upon various factors which include your weight, height, health problems that you are presently facing, the type and stage of cancer.

What are the side effects associated with this drug?

As such there are no side effects associated with this drug but then there are certain side effects that are common for all anti-cancer drugs namely there are certain side effects that are visible at the onset of the treatment cycle and remain till the end of the treatment cycle. Most of the side effects are reversible. Apart from this there are other preventive measures to minimize the side effects of this drug.

Some of the common side effects of Bendamustine are decrease in the blood count both the red blood count as well as the white blood count which leads to low immunity, low platelet count as well as the higher risk of getting easily infected, bleeding, anemia etc.

There has also been an increase in the level of billirubin in the blood, apart from this there are chances of you developing rashes, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea etc.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome is known to occur when a large number of these cancerous cells are destroyed rapidly thus leading to an increase in the uric acid, potassium and phosphorus levels in the blood leading to kidney failure. Allopurinol is used to block the production of uric acid thus preventing kidney failure. This mode of treatment can lead to infertility.

You need to inform your doctor if you have persistent temperature, find blood in your stool or urine, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning or pain while urinating etc.

Certain precautionary methods

Inform your health care representative about any medications that you are presently on which includes vitamin and herbal supplements. Avoid aspirin or consult your health care representative before taking this medication. Pregnancy should be avoided and any impending pregnancy should be brought to immediate notice as this drug is harmful for the growth of the fetal. Avoid alcohol and alcoholic drinks, breast feeding should be avoided.

Self Help Tips

Increase water intake, avoid crowded places as you are prone to infections, follow a healthy and nutritious diet, and maintain a good hygiene, use soft toothbrush to avoid bleeding of the gums, take anti-nausea tic drugs, avoid exposure to direct sun and use sun protection gear and lotions etc. Get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of your internal organs as well as to check your body’s response to the treatment.

Working of Bendamustine on your body?

Nitrogen mustard derivative Bendamustine is known to help control the division of these cancerous cells by inducing self destruction and also helps shrink the tumor growth.