BENZZ 45MG INJECTION

Introduction:

Benzz 45mg Injection is a chemotherapy medication containing the active constituent bendamustine. Cancer is an abnormal and uncontrolled multiplication of cells. This medicine is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cancer of blood and bone marrow), non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (cancer that forms in the lymph system, part of the immune system), and multiple myelomas (cancer of plasma cells, type of white blood cell). 

Benzz 45mg Injection should not be used if you have jaundice, severe liver dysfunction, bone marrow depression, infection, had major surgery less than 30 days before starting a treatment or recently vaccinated with yellow fever vaccines. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least three months after the last dose, as this medicine can cause fetal harm. 

Uses of Benzz 45mg Injection:

• Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in patients where fludarabine combination chemotherapy is not appropriate.
• Treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas that had not, or only shortly responded to previous treatment with rituximab.
• Treatment of multiple myeloma in patients where therapy containing bortezomib or thalidomide is not appropriate.

How Benzz 45mg Injection works:

Benzz 45mg Injection damages the hereditary material of the cancer cells and prevents their growth and multiplication.

Interactions with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More information:

• Keep Benzz 45mg Injection out of sight and reach of children. 
• Store in refrigerator at 2° - 8°C.

References:

1. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1684.
2. Zentiva Pharma UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on April 2019] [ Accessed on 15th June 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7302.pdf
3. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Feb 2017] [ Accessed on 15th June 2021], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208194s005lbl.pdf

How to use Benzz 45mg Injection:

It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse. 

Safety advice:

Pregnancy:

Benzz 45mg Injection can cause fetal harm. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medication. Use effective birth control during the treatment and for at least three months after the last dose.

Breastfeeding:

Avoid breastfeeding while taking Benzz 45mg Injection as it may cause toxicity to the baby. Consult your doctor for potential risks.

Liver:

Benzz 45mg Injection is contraindicated in patients with severe liver dysfunction. Tell your doctor if you have any liver disorders.

Driving: 

Benzz 45mg Injection may cause dizziness or lack of coordination. Avoid driving if you are unwell.

Others:

• Inform your doctor if you have infection, have had major surgery less than 30 days before starting a treatment or recently vaccinated with yellow fever vaccines.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all medicines cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Myelosuppression
• Abnormal liver function
• Tumor lysis syndrome

Common:

• Infection, fever
• Low blood cell count
• Headache, dizziness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Increased blood level of creatine and urea (chemical waste products)
• Mucosal inflammation, sore mouth
• Insomnia, fatigue
• Hair loss, itching, rash
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Missed periods
• Dehydration, loss of appetite
• Low or high blood pressure