BENDIT-BENDAMUSTINE
Bendit belongs to a class of medications known as alkylating agents and contains bendamustine. It is used for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) which is a type of cancer of the white blood cells. The medicine is also indicted for curing non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Bendit functions by damaging the DNA of the cancer cells and hence arresting their growth.

Supplied as:
Available as 100 mg single dose vial.

Dosage
Ideally, the recommended dose is 100 mg/ml, administered intravenously over 30 minutes on Day 1 and 2 of a 28-day cycle (up to 6 cycles).

Overdose
Symptoms of overdose associated with the medicine may include rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, loss of coordination, seizures, severe drowsiness, tremor and difficulty in breathing.

Precautions and warnings:

• Doctor consultation suggested if the patient has liver or kidney problems
• Smoking reduces the effect of the medicine, so doctor must be informed if the patient uses tobacco products
• Not suitable for patients who are allergic to the medicine or mannitol
• Patients are advised not to get immunized or vaccinated without consulting the doctor
• Not suitable for pregnant women (Doctor consultation required)

Drug interactions:
The following drugs may interact with Bendit:

• Carbamazepine, cimetidine, thiabendazole or a barbiturate such as amobarbital, butabarbital, mephobarbital, secobarbital or phenobarbital
• The risk of Bandit's side effects may be increased by ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine
• The effect of Bendit may be decreased by omeprazole

Side effects:

• Hives, rash, itching, blistering or peeling skin
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heartbeat, excessive tiredness or weakness
• Pale skin, fever, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
• Unusual bleeding or bruising, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, stomach pain or swelling
• Sores or white patches in the mouth, dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth or difficulty tasting food
• Loss of appetite, weight loss, headache, anxiety, depression, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Back, bone, joint, arm or leg pain, dry skin, sweating, night sweats, pain in the place where medicine may be injected

Note: Bendit is a prescription drug and should be used under proper medical guidance and advice.