treanda

Treanda (bendamustine) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Treanda is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is also used to treat indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of this condition.

Treanda may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Treanda is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Before you receive Treanda, tell your doctor if you have a weak immune system, fever or other signs of infection, a metabolic disorder or electrolyte imbalance, liver or kidney disease, or if you smoke.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have a fever, chills, itching, or skin rash during or shortly after the injection.

Treanda can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. You may get an infection or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches).

Before I receive Treanda

You should not receive Treanda if you are allergic to bendamustine or mannitol (Osmitrol).

To make sure Treanda is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a weak immune system;

• fever or other signs of infection;

• a metabolic disorder or electrolyte imbalance;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• if you smoke.

Do not receive Treanda if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bendamustine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some people receiving Treanda have developed certain types of cancers. It is not known whether this medication causes cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Treanda.

How is Treanda given?

Treanda is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Treanda is usually given for 2 days in a row every 21 to 28 days. You may receive up to 8 treatments total, depending on the condition being treated. Follow your doctor"s instructions.

You may be given other medications to help prevent certain side effects of Treanda.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

Treanda can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Treanda injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid?

Treanda may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Bendamustine can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Treanda side effects

Some people receiving a Treanda injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you have fever, chills, itching, or skin rash during or shortly after the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Treanda: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have:

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

• easy bruising or bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin, unusual weakness;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;

• lower back pain, blood in your urine, urinating less than usual or not at all;

• numbness or tingly feeling around your mouth;

• muscle weakness, tightness, or contraction, overactive reflexes;

• fast or slow heart rate, weak pulse, confusion;

• dry mouth, feeling very thirsty or hot, heavy sweating or hot and dry skin;

• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or

• pain, swelling, redness, skin changes, or signs of infection where the medicine was injected.

Common Treanda side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

• loss of appetite, weight loss; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Treanda?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Treanda, especially:

• allopurinol;

• carbamazepine;

• cimetidine;

• ciprofloxacin;

• fluvoxamine;

• omeprazole;

• thiabendazole; or

• a barbiturate--butabarbital, secobarbital, phenobarbital, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with Treanda, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.