💊 Medicine Name:
Bendamustine Hydrochloride
💉 Formulation:
Injection – Lyophilized Powder for IV Use
💪 Strength:
100 mg per vial
📜 Description:
Bendamustine is a cytotoxic alkylating agent, structurally related to nitrogen mustard, with additional purine-like activity. It interferes with DNA replication and repair, leading to cancer cell death. Used especially in blood cancers.
🧾 Prescription Status:
Rx Only – Must be administered under specialist oncology care.
⚙️ Mechanism of Action:
- Binds to DNA, forming cross-links between and within DNA strands.
- Leads to DNA strand breaks and inhibition of mitosis.
- Triggers apoptosis of malignant cells.
📦 Common Packaging:
- 100 mg of lyophilized bendamustine hydrochloride in a single-use glass vial.
- For reconstitution and further dilution prior to IV infusion.
- Labeled as cytotoxic – handle with gloves and care.
🧊 Storage:
- Unopened vials: Store at 2–8°C (refrigerated), protected from light.
- Reconstituted solution: Stable for 24 hours in refrigerator (2–8°C) or 3 hours at room temperature.
⚠️ Precautions:
- Myelosuppression: Monitor blood counts.
- Tumor lysis syndrome risk in high tumor burden.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: including anaphylaxis.
- Hepatic/renal impairment: Use caution, adjust dose.
- Secondary malignancy risk (long-term).
- Pregnancy category D: May cause fetal harm.
👨⚕️ Patient Advice:
- Inform your doctor of any history of allergies or liver/kidney disease.
- Report any signs of infection, bleeding, or allergic reactions.
- Use effective contraception during and for 6 months after treatment (both men and women).
- Do not breastfeed during treatment.