Treanda

Generic name:bendamustine [ BEN-da-MUS-teen ]
Drug class:Alkylating agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 21, 2022.

What is Treanda?

Treanda is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Treanda is used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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

Warnings

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 a 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 taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Treanda if you are allergic to bendamustine, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol 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;

• tuberculosis;

• herpes zoster (also called shingles);

• a metabolic disorder or electrolyte imbalance;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease; or

• if you smoke.

Using Treanda may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.

Bendamustine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the 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 is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using Treanda.

Bendamustine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in men. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because bendamustine can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breastfeed while using Treanda and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

How is Treanda given?

Treanda is given as an infusion into a vein. A health...