What is BENDAMUSTA used for?

BENDAMUSTA is used to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Can BENDAMUSTA cause low blood counts?

Yes, BENDAMUSTA can cause myelosuppression, which is a decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What should I do if I feel confused while taking BENDAMUSTA?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience confusion, memory loss, or trouble walking, as these could be signs of a brain infection called PML.

Is BENDAMUSTA safe to use during pregnancy?

No, animal studies show it can cause birth defects or fetal death, so pregnant women should be aware of these risks.

What are the most common side effects of BENDAMUSTA?

Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and fever.

Can other medicines affect how BENDAMUSTA works?

Yes, drugs that affect the CYP1A2 enzyme can either make BENDAMUSTA more dangerous or less effective.

Who should not take BENDAMUSTA?

People with a known allergy to benda-mustine or its other ingredients like polyethylene glycol 400 should not use it.

How is BENDAMUSTA administered?

It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion over a set period of time.

Bendamustine | CAS 16506-27-7 | YTKUWDBFDASYHO

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Alkylating agent (Chemotherapy)

BENDAMUSTINE (brand name VIVIMUSTA) is an alkylating chemotherapy drug used to treat certain types of blood cancers, specifically chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It is given through an IV infusion.

How it worksBENDAMUSTINE is an alkylating agent, which means it works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells to stop them from growing and multiplying.

Brand names:VIVIMUSTA

Used for

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adultsIndolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within six months of treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen

Conditions

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Class

Alkylating agentAntineoplasticAlkylating agent (Chemotherapy)HematologicNervousImmuneHepaticRenal

How to take

FormsIntravenous infusion

RoutesIntravenous

For CLL, the dose is 100 mg/m² infused over 20 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles. For NHL, the dose is 120 mg/m² infused over 20 minutes on Days 1 and 2 of a 21-day cycle for up to 8 cycles.

Doses may be delayed or changed based on blood count recovery and other health factors like infection or toxicity levels.

Key warnings

·Low blood cell counts (myelosuppression) can occur, requiring dose delays or reductions.
·There is a risk of serious infections and the reactivation of old infections.
·Patients should be watched for neurological changes that might suggest PML.
·Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions may happen during infusion.
·Tumor lysis syndrome can lead to kidney failure or death.

Do not use if

·Do not use BENDAMUSTA if you have a known allergy to benda-mustine, polyethylene glycol 400, dehydrated alcohol, or monothioglycerol.

Side effects

Common

NauseaFatigueAnemia (low red blood cells)Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)Neutropenia (low white blood cells)Lymphopenia (low lymphocytes)Leukopenia (low white blood cells)VomitingFever

Serious

·Myelosuppression (dangerously low blood cell counts)
·Severe infections
·Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML - a brain infection)
·Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
·Tumor lysis syndrome (which can cause kidney failure)
·Skin reactions
·Liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity)
·Other cancers
·Injury from infusion leaking outside the vein (extravasation)

Seek help if

·Confusion or memory loss
·Difficulty breathing or facial swelling
·Fever or signs of infection
·Significant bleeding or fatigue

Interactions

·Drugs that are CYP1A2 inhibitors may increase levels of BENDAMUSTA in your body, increasing the risk of side effects.
·Drugs that are CYP1A2 inducers may decrease levels of BENDAMUSTA, making the treatment less effective.

AlcoholContains dehydrated alcohol (as part of the formulation components listed in contraindications).

Special populations

PregnancyAnimal studies show that BENDAMUSTINE can cause birth defects or death in unborn babies. There is no specific data on the risk to humans, but pregnant women should be warned of the potential risks to a fetus.

PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of BENDAMUSTA in children have not been established. One study in patients aged 1-19 showed no treatment response in patients with acute leukemia.

GeriatricIn patients 65 and older with CLL, BENDAMUSTA showed lower efficacy and shorter progression-free survival compared to younger patients. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, no major differences in efficacy were seen between older and younger patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Blood counts (ANC, platelets, red/white cells)
·Neurological/cognitive signs
·Signs of infection/fever
·Infusion site for injury
·Skin reactions
·Liver function

Questions to ask

·What are my blood counts looking like?
·How should I monitor for signs of infection?
·What should I do if I experience neurological symptoms?
·Are my other medications safe to take with BENDAMUSTA?

Pharmacokinetics

MetabolismAffected by CYP1A2 enzymes

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific antidote for an overdose. Treatment involves general supportive care, including monitoring heart rhythms (ECGs) and blood counts.

Ingredients

Allergens

Alcohol

Inactive

polyethylene glycol 400dehydrated alcoholmonothioglycerol

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.