Treanda (Bendamustine) is a prescription medication used to treat several types of cancer, including Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. It is a slow-growing cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Indolent B-cell NHL is a slow-growing type. The active ingredient in Treanda is Bendamustine. Bendamustine belongs to a class of medications known as alkylating agents. It works by attaching an "alkyl group" to the DNA of cancer cells, which damages the DNA. This prevents the cells from dividing and replicating, ultimately leading to their death.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Treanda from Canada, manufactured by Lundbeck, in strengths of 25 mg and 100 mg powder vials for injection. The generic Bendamustine is available from Canada by a different manufacturer in strengths of 25 mg and 100 mg powder vials for injection.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Treanda. The most common side effects of Treanda may include the following:
• Chills;
• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Fatigue;
• Fever;
• Nausea
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Bone marrow suppression;
• Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat
These are not all of the side effects of Treanda. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Treanda if you are allergic to Bendamustine or any of the ingredients in Treanda. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant;
• Have a weak immune system;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have an infection;
• Have herpes zoster;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have severe bone marrow suppression;
• Have severe liver problems;
• Have tuberculosis
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Treanda and other medicines, such as allopurinol, cimetidine, fluvoxamine, and cisplatin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Bendamustine can harm an unborn baby or cause congenital disabilities if the mother or father is using Treanda. If you are a woman, do not use Bendamustine if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using Treanda and for at least 6 months after your last dose. If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner can get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Bendamustine is excreted in breast milk and can harm a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while using Treanda and for at least 1 week after your last dose.
Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Treanda is an injection. It is given as an infusion into a vein. Treanda is typically administered for two consecutive days every 21 to 28 days. You may receive up to 8 treatments total, depending on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor's instructions. Inform your caregivers if you experience any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle after receiving Treanda. This medicine may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Bendamustine may be present in body fluids such as urine, feces, and vomit. For at least 48 hours after receiving a dose, take care to prevent your body fluids from coming into contact with your hands or surrounding surfaces. Caregivers should use rubber gloves when cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry, or changing diapers. It is essential to wash hands thoroughly both before putting on and after removing gloves. Any soiled clothing or linens should be laundered separately from other items. Store this drug below 25 °C. Please keep it in the original package until it's time to use it, to protect it from light. Keep out of the reach of children.