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Bendamustine Injectable Solution (BENDAMUSTINE - INJECTION)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Belrapzo, Bendeka

Generic Name: Bendamustine

Instructions

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

This medicine is to be given continuously. Contact your doctor or home care provider right away if the medicine is interrupted.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Pain or fever reducers may relieve some side effects. Please speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

Rarely, this medicine may cause serious injury at the site of injection. Call your doctor right away if you notice any pain, swelling, blisters, sores, lumps under the skin, or scabbing at the injection site.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if fever, chills, skin rash, or shortness of breath develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 week after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • mouth sores or irritation
  • nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • back pain
  • loss of balance
  • bleeding or bruising
  • shallow, irregular breathing
  • difficulty concentrating
  • confusion
  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • muscle pain
  • pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • seizures
  • red, peeling or blistering skin
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

 
 

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