Bendamustine Plus Rituximab Chemo Regimen

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.

Care notes
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Bendamustine + rituximab chemo regimen:

Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. You will receive these medicines while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. The medicines need to be given on a fixed schedule. If you need to miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic immediately. The following infusion cycle will repeat every 28 days for up to 6 cycles within 6 months:

Bendamustine IV over 10 minutes, Days 1 and 2
Rituximab IV, Day 1

Before you receive these medicines:

Ask questions if you do not understand what your doctor or nurse is telling you about the medicines. Make sure you understand all the risks and benefits of this treatment.
Talk to your doctor about all your current medicines. Some medicines can affect how bendamustine or rituximab works. Examples include ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, omeprazole, medicines to treat arthritis, medicine that can weaken the immune system, or steroid medicine. Do not take any medicines or supplements unless they have been discussed with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any kind of infection. Tell your doctor if you have or had chest pain, heart disease, lung problems, or immune system problems.

On each infusion day:

Blood may be drawn to make sure the doses you are being given are right for you.
Medicines may be given to help with nausea and vomiting and to decrease your risk for reactions.
Contact your doctor or nurse immediately if you feel short of breath or have trouble breathing during or after your infusion.
Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the infusion site.

Infusion precautions:

You may feel weak or tired from the infusions. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this treatment affects you.
Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for 3 to 12 months after the last dose, as directed. This depends on if you are male or female.
Talk with your doctor if you are male and plan to have children. The treatment may cause male infertility (not being able to get your partner pregnant).
Do not breastfeed while you are receiving these medicines. Do not breastfeed after treatment until your doctor says it is okay. This may be for several months after treatment ends.

After each infusion:

If possible, have someone stay with you to call for help if you have serious side effects.
Drink extra liquids to help prevent nausea and to keep your kidneys and liver working well.
You may be at risk for infections. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Do not have close contact with anyone who is sick. Ask your doctor about vaccines you may need to prevent infections.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if you have any of the following:

Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, uneven heartbeat, or sudden fainting
Confusion, problems with memory, vision, speech, or walking

Call your nurse or doctor immediately if you have any of the following:

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Dark urine or pale bowel movements, yellow skin or eyes, bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach pain
Change in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
A lump under your skin where the needle was placed
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or severe drowsiness

Talk to your nurse or doctor if you have any of the following:

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, stomach pain
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat, or a change in taste
Tiredness or a headache

Follow up with your oncologist as directed:

Your oncologist will need to check your progress at regular visits. Blood tests may be needed to check for side effects.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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