• Required field
  • Generic Name: (bendamustine hydrochloride)
    Other Brands: N/A
  • Last Revised: 08/2016
    • What is this medication and its most common uses?

      Bendeka is a medicine used to treat chronic (long-term) lymphocytic leukemia. Bendeka is also used to treat a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has continued to worsen during or after treatment with another medicine. Bendeka is administered intravenously (directly into your vein).


      How does this medication work?

      Bendeka works by killing cancer cells.


      What: In studies, Bendeka has been shown to have a longer progression-free survival (the length of time during and after the treatment of a disease that a patient lives with the disease but it does not get worse) compared to another medicine.


      How do I know it is working?


    • What are the possible side effects of this medication?


      Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

      More common side effects may include: fever, nausea, vomiting.

      Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

      More common side effects may include: nausea, tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, constipation, loss of appetite, cough, headache, decreased weight, difficulty breathing, rash, mouth sores.

      Less common side effects of Bendeka may include:

      Decreased blood cell counts, with symptoms such as shortness of breath, tiredness, bleeding, fever, or other signs of infection.

      Infusion reactions, with symptoms such as fever, chills, itching, or rash.

      Harm to your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

      Bendeka may also increase your risk of developing infections, cause skin reactions, or cause tumor lysis syndrome (a condition caused by a sudden breakdown of cancer cells) that may lead to kidney problems.

    • Who should not take this medication?

      Your healthcare provider will not administer Bendeka to you if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.


      Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Bendeka. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

    • What is the usual dosage?



    • How should I take this medication?

      Your healthcare provider will administer Bendeka to you.

      Bendeka is usually administered over 10 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle, up to 6 cycles.

    • What should I avoid while taking this medication?


      Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities without first checking with your healthcare provider.


      If Bendeka is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Bendeka may interact with numerous medications. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.


      Bendeka can harm your unborn baby if you receive it during pregnancy. The effects of Bendeka during breastfeeding are unknown. Do not breastfeed while you are receiving Bendeka. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

      It is important that women who may become pregnant and men use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after therapy has stopped. Talk to your healthcare provider about reliable birth control.



    • How should I store this medication?

      Your healthcare provider will store this medication for you.

    • Who should I contact in case of emergency or overdose?
      back to top



    • Additional patient resources.
  • Terms of Service
