Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Treanda (Bendamustine).
Low red blood cell count: Treanda (Bendamustine) can reduce the number of red blood cells in the blood. Red blood cells help provide oxygen to different tissues in the body. Tell your doctor of any signs that your red blood cell count is low. Such symptoms may include feeling unusually tired, decreased levels of alertness, loss of appetite, paler-than-normal skin, trouble breathing, or rapid heartbeat.
Blood clotting: Treanda (Bendamustine) can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Such symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Blood pressure: Treanda (Bendamustine) can cause increased blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure or are taking medications to control blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Treanda (Bendamustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Treanda (Bendamustine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Extravasation: When Treanda (Bendamustine) leaks into tissue surrounding a vein, symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain can occur around the place of injection. This is called extravasation. If you develop symptoms of extravasation, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Heart problems: Treanda (Bendamustine) can cause heart problems such as heart failure, chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythms. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Treanda (Bendamustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Treanda (Bendamustine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Treanda (Bendamustine) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people who have contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection such as fever or chills.
Infertility: Men treated with Treanda (Bendamustine) may develop infertility that may last for several years after stopping treatment. Talk to your doctor about infertility management options.
Infusion reaction: When Treanda (Bendamustine) is given, you may experience an infusion reaction (fever, chills, skin rash or itchiness). If you experience an infusion reaction, your doctor may prescribe medications (e.g., antihistamines, Acetaminophen, corticosteroids) to be given before future infusions to prevent another reaction.
Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Treanda (Bendamustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Treanda (Bendamustine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver problems: Treanda (Bendamustine) can affect your liver function. If you have severe liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Treanda (Bendamustine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Treanda (Bendamustine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Secondary cancer: Treanda (Bendamustine) can increase the risk of developing leukemia or Lung Cancer. If you are concerned about this, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Treanda (Bendamustine).
Surgery: If you need surgery, tell your doctor or anesthetist that you are taking Treanda (Bendamustine).
Tumour lysis syndrome: Treanda (Bendamustine), like many other cancer medications, causes many cancer cells to be suddenly killed when treatment is first started. This can overwhelm the body with waste products from the cells. As a result, the body may not be able to keep up with getting rid of all the waste. When this happens, you may have nausea, shortness of breath, cloudy urine, or joint pain. This is called tumour lysis syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe some medications to help your body get rid of the waste products. Make sure you understand how to use these medications and report any of these signs or symptoms to your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defects if either the man or woman is taking Treanda (Bendamustine) at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Use effective birth control starting 2 weeks before receiving Treanda (Bendamustine) and for at least 4 weeks after receiving your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking Treanda (Bendamustine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Treanda (Bendamustine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Treanda (Bendamustine), it may affect your baby. Women who are using Treanda (Bendamustine) are advised to not breast-feed. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Treanda (Bendamustine) have not been established for children.
