Bendamustine is a chemotherapy medicine used for certain blood cancers. You receive it as an IV infusion at a clinic or hospital. This guide explains what it is used for, key safety warnings, how it works, and common side effects.
Brand Name(s)
- U.S.: Belrapzo; Bendeka; Treanda; Vivimusta
- Canada: Benvyon; NAT-Bendamustine; Treanda
Warning(s)
- Before you start: Tell your care team about all allergies, and if you have kidney or liver disease. Make sure all of your health care providers (including dentists and pharmacists) know you are receiving bendamustine.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: This drug may harm an unborn baby. You will need a pregnancy test before treatment. Use birth control while on treatment and for up to 6 months after your last dose if you could become pregnant; if your partner could become pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for up to 3 months after the last dose. Do not breast-feed during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose.
- Infection risk: Your white blood cell counts can drop. You may get infections more easily, and some can be severe. Wash your hands often and try to avoid people who are sick. Some past infections can become active again, including hepatitis B, CMV, tuberculosis, and shingles (herpes zoster). Tell your care team if you have had these before.
- Bleeding risk: Platelets can drop, raising the chance of bleeding or bruising. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor. Get help right away for blood in stool or urine, coughing or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
- Infusion and skin reactions: Serious reactions can happen during or after the infusion, such as fever, chills, rash, or trouble breathing. The drug can damage tissue if it leaks outside the vein (redness, pain, blisters at the IV site). Tell your nurse about any symptoms right away.
- Severe skin reactions: Rare but serious reactions like Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can occur. Get urgent help for widespread rash; skin that is red, blistered, or peeling; mouth or eye sores; fever; or swollen glands. Have your skin checked regularly. Report new or changing moles, sores, or bumps.
- Heart and liver effects: Heart problems (irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling) and liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, stomach pain) have happened, rarely leading to death. Seek help right away if these symptoms appear.
- Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS): A fast breakdown of cancer cells can cause dangerous changes in blood minerals. Call right away for fast heartbeat, fainting, trouble passing urine, muscle cramps or weakness, severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Brain infection (PML): A rare, serious brain infection called PML has occurred, most often when bendamustine was used with rituximab or obinutuzumab. Get help immediately for confusion, memory loss, vision changes, trouble speaking, or weakness on one side.
- Second cancers and bone marrow effects: Bone marrow problems like myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and some leukemias have been seen after treatment. It is not known if bendamustine caused them. Discuss your long-term follow-up plan.
- Driving and activities: Bendamustine can make you dizzy, sleepy, or weak. Avoid driving or tasks that need you to be alert until you know how it affects you.
- Monitoring and interactions: You will need regular blood tests. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Do not start, stop, or change any medicine without checking first.
Kind of Cancers It Is Used For (not a complete list)
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
- Indolent B‑cell non‑Hodgkin lymphomas, such as follicular lymphoma
- Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Waldenström macroglobulinemia and other lymphomas (may be used in some cases)
This is not a full list. Bendamustine may also be used for other reasons when your care team thinks it is appropriate.
Mechanism of Action
Bendamustine is a chemotherapy drug called an alkylating agent. It damages cancer cell DNA so the cells cannot copy and repair themselves. Over time, the damaged cells die.
- It forms cross-links in DNA, blocking cell division.
- It targets fast‑growing cells, such as many cancer cells. Normal fast‑growing cells (like bone marrow and gut lining) can also be affected, which causes some side effects.
- It is given by IV infusion on a treatment schedule set by your oncology team.
Common Side Effects
- Low blood counts: Anemia (tiredness, shortness of breath), low white cells (higher infection risk), and low platelets (bruising or bleeding). You will have regular blood tests.
- Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, dry mouth, and changes in taste. Eat small, frequent meals and sip fluids as tolerated.
- Mouth and throat: Mouth irritation or sores. Good mouth care can help.
- General: Feeling tired or weak, dizziness, headache, night sweats, sweating a lot, trouble sleeping, weight loss, decreased appetite.
- Pain: Back pain, bone or joint pain.
- Cold‑like symptoms: Cough, sore throat, or other signs of a common cold.
- Skin and hair: Dry skin; rash can occur. Report any severe or spreading rash.
- Anxiety: Feeling nervous or on edge.
Serious side effects are listed in the Warnings section. Contact your care team right away for severe symptoms, signs of infection, allergic reactions, unusual bleeding, chest pain, yellow skin or eyes, confusion, or any symptom that worries you.
Learn more on MedlinePlus: Bendamustine injection
Last reviewed: 2025-12-15
