Description
Bendamustine Injection, marketed genetically under the brand name Nexben, is a chemotherapy medication used for the treatment of certain types of cancer. Here are the primary indications for Bendamustine:
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): This medicine is used for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is used in patients who have not received prior treatment or have refractory disease. Bendamustine works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which prevents them from growing and dividing. Studies have shown that Bendamustine can prolong progression-free survival and improve overall response rates in CLL patients.
- Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): It is also used for the treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly in patients who have progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen. This type of lymphoma tends to grow slowly, and Bendamustine has been effective in achieving remission in many cases. It is often used in combination with other agents such as rituximab to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
- Multiple Myeloma (MM): In some cases, Bendamustine is used off-label for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. While not formally approved for this indication, it is sometimes considered when other treatments have failed or are not suitable.
Nexben injection is a versatile chemotherapeutic agent with indications primarily for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and it has shown effectiveness in treating various other hematological malignancies. Its dual mechanism of action and combination potential with other therapies make it a valuable option in oncology.
Dosage and Side Effects of Bendamustine Injection:
Recommended Dosage for CLL: The recommended dosage of Bendamustine is 100 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles.
Recommended Dosage for NHL: The recommended dosage of Bendamustine is 120 mg/m2 administered intravenously over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle, up to 8 cycles.
The most common side effects of Bendamustine during infusion and within 24 hours post-infusion are nausea and fatigue.
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- Side effects for CLL: thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia, pyrexia, nausea, lymphopenia, leukopenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and vomiting.
- Side effects for NHL: lymphopenia, diarrhea, pyrexia, leukopenia, anemia, neutropenia, cough, weight decrease, headache, thrombocytopenia, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, constipation, rash, anorexia, dyspnea, and stomatitis.
Warning and Precautions of Bendamustine Injection:
- Bendamustine 100 mg/4 mL can cause severe bone marrow suppression, resulting in anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Monitor blood counts regularly and delay or reduce dosage as needed.
- Patients treated with this medicinal product are at increased risk for serious infections, including opportunistic infections. Monitor for signs and symptoms of infections and initiate prompt treatment if necessary.
- Severe infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Monitor patients during infusions and be prepared to manage hypersensitivity reactions. Pre-medication may be necessary.
- This medicinal product can cause tumor lysis syndrome, especially in patients with large tumor burdens. Monitor blood chemistry closely and take preventive measures, such as hydration and prophylactic medications.
- This therapeutic drug may cause liver damage, including liver failure. Regularly monitor liver function tests and adjust dosage or discontinue treatment if significant abnormalities occur.
- There is an increased risk of secondary malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes and acute leukemias. Long-term monitoring for these conditions is advised.
- Bendamustine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment. It is not known whether Nexben injection is excreted in human milk; breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment.
