Bendeka (bendamustine) is a brand-name intravenous infusion prescribed for a certain type of lymphoma and leukemia. Bendeka has interactions with some other drugs. Examples include acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax), cimetidine (Tagamet HB), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro).
Bendeka is prescribed for the following cancers in certain adults:
- indolent (slow-spreading) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia
An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.
To learn more about Bendeka’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information about Bendeka, including details about its uses, see this article.
Before you start treatment with Bendeka, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Bendeka interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Bendeka and other interactions” section below.)
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with Bendeka. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Bendeka. Some of these interactions are described in detail just below in “Drug interactions in depth.”
| Drug class or drug name | Drug examples | Interaction result with Bendeka |
| certain seizure drugs | • carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, others) • phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek) • phenobarbital (Sezaby) | can make Bendeka less effective |
| acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
| amiodarone (Nexterone, Pacerone) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
| cimetidine (Tagamet HB) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
| ciprofloxacin (Cipro) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
| fluvoxamine (Luvox) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
| leflunomide (Arava) | — | can make Bendeka less effective |
| rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) | — | can make Bendeka less effective |
| rucaparib (Rubraca) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
| zafirlukast (Accolate) | — | can increase the risk of side effects of Bendeka |
In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Bendeka due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Bendeka include:
Having had an allergic reaction to Bendeka or any of its ingredients
If you have had an allergic reaction to Bendeka or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Bendeka. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
Note: Before you start treatment with Bendeka, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Bendeka.
There aren’t any known interactions between Bendeka and alcohol.
However, drinking alcohol during Bendeka treatment may worsen some of the drug’s side effects. For example, you may experience worsened tiredness, headache, or nausea.
In addition, consuming large amounts of alcohol can cause liver damage. Bendeka may also cause liver damage as a side effect. This means that drinking alcohol during Bendeka treatment may increase the risk of liver problems.
If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Bendeka treatment, talk with your doctor.
Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Bendeka.
Acyclovir
Acyclovir (Sitavig, Zovirax) is prescribed for certain viral infections, such as genital herpes and shingles.
Interaction result: Receiving Bendeka with acyclovir can increase the risk of side effects from Bendeka.
Interaction explained: Acyclovir may slow down the activity of an enzyme (a type of protein) that helps break down Bendeka in your body. Using these drugs together could result in a high level of Bendeka in your system. This could increase your risk of side effects from the drug.
Steps you or your doctor may take: Before taking acyclovir during Bendeka treatment, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether it’s safe to use these medications together or if a different treatment may be prescribed instead.
To learn more about Bendeka and acyclovir, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Cimetidine
Cimetidine (Tagamet HB) is used to ease symptoms of conditions such as heartburn.
Interaction result: Using Bendeka and cimetidine together could increase the risk of side effects from Bendeka.
Interaction explained: Taking cimetidine during Bendeka treatment could result in a high level of Bendeka in your body. This is because cimetidine may slow down the activity of an enzyme that helps break down Bendeka in your system. Having a high level of Bendeka in your body could raise your risk of side effects from the drug.
Steps you or your doctor may take: Before taking cimetidine with Bendeka, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether it’s safe to use these medications together. If needed, your doctor can recommend an alternative to either drug.
To learn more about Bendeka and cimetidine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ciprofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is prescribed for certain bacterial infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Interaction result: Receiving Bendeka with ciprofloxacin may increase the risk of side effects from Bendeka.
Interaction explained: Bendeka is broken down by a certain enzyme in your body. Ciprofloxacin may slow down the activity of this enzyme. Using these drugs together could increase the level of Bendeka in your system, raising your risk of side effects from the drug.
Steps you or your doctor may take: Before taking ciprofloxacin with Bendeka, talk with your doctor. They can advise whether it’s safe to use these medications together. Your doctor can also tell you whether a different treatment could be prescribed instead.
To learn more about Bendeka and ciprofloxacin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Bendeka may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Bendeka.
Bendeka and supplements
It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
Bendeka and herbs
There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Bendeka. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Bendeka treatment.
Bendeka and vitamins
There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Bendeka. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Bendeka.
Bendeka and food
There were no reports of food interactions with Bendeka. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with Bendeka, talk with your doctor.
Bendeka and vaccines
There aren’t any known interactions between Bendeka and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.
Bendeka interactions with lab tests
Bendeka may interfere with the results of a tuberculosis (TB) skin test. You may have this to determine whether the TB bacterium is in your system.
Receiving this test during Bendeka treatment may cause a false-negative result. This means the test could show you do not have the TB bacterium in your system even if you do.
Because of this, it’s important to tell the person giving you the test that you’re having Bendeka treatment. They’ll recommend different tests to gather information about TB.
BENDEKA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBDCannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been reported to interact with Bendeka. Taking cannabis products with Bendeka could increase your risk of side effects from Bendeka.
Before you start treatment with Bendeka, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many U.S. states to varying degrees.
Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Bendeka. Before you receive this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Bendeka may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.
Health conditions or factors that might interact with Bendeka include:
- Liver or kidney disease: If you have liver or kidney disease, talk with your doctor before starting Bendeka treatment. It may not be safe for you to receive the drug. Your doctor can recommend whether Bendeka is the right treatment option.
- Use of tobacco products: If you use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, talk with your doctor before starting Bendeka treatment. Tobacco may lower the level of Bendeka in your system, which could make Bendeka less effective. Your doctor can recommend ways to safely stop using tobacco products. They can also suggest treatment options other than Bendeka.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Bendeka or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Bendeka. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
- Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Bendeka while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Bendeka may have on a child who is breastfed. However, to be safe, your doctor may advise you not to breastfeed during Bendeka treatment and for 1 week after your final dose. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Bendeka. They can advise you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
- Pregnancy: It may not be safe to receive Bendeka while pregnant. Animal studies show that the drug may cause congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Bendeka. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.
You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Bendeka. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:
- Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
- Create a
medication listTrusted Source , which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.
It’s also important to read the Bendeka label and other
If Bendeka doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
