What side effects may occur while I am taking TREANDA?
While killing cancer cells, any treatment might also kill some healthy cells in the blood and
in different parts of the body. That is when most side effects show up. While the side effects
below have been seen in some studies, not all side effects will occur in all patients. That is
why it is very important to talk about your TREANDA treatment and any symptoms you might be having
with your doctor.
The most common non-blood-related side effects (occurring in ≥15% of patients) with TREANDA are fever, nausea, and vomiting.
The most common blood-related side effects (occurring in ≥15% of patients) with TREANDA are reduction of red blood cells (anemia), reduction of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), reduction of neutrophils (white blood cells) (neutropenia), reduction of lymphoid cells in the blood (lymphopenia), and low counts of leukocytes (white blood cells) (leukopenia).
For more information on how you can take better care of yourself during treatment with TREANDA,
please visit our Resources section for some tips in cancer care.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about any of the following:
Allergic reactions: It’s possible to have a mild or serious allergic reaction with
TREANDA. Immediately report rash, facial swelling, or trouble breathing that occurs during or soon
after infusion because these symptoms may become severe or even life-threatening.
Myelosuppression: TREANDA may lower white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells.
You will need your blood cell count to be watched over time. Tell your doctor about any shortness of
breath, noticeable fatigue, bleeding, fever, or other signs of infection. Remember, these symptoms
could be severe and even life-threatening.
Pregnancy and nursing: TREANDA can cause harm to a baby in the womb. Women should not
become pregnant during treatment and for 3 months after TREANDA is stopped. Men using TREANDA should
use reliable birth-control during treatment and for 3 months after TREANDA is stopped. Tell your
doctor about any pregnancy right away. Do not nurse a baby while using TREANDA.
Fatigue: TREANDA may cause tiredness. Do not drive any vehicle or use any dangerous
tools or machines if you have this side effect.
Nausea and vomiting: TREANDA may cause nausea and/or vomiting. You should tell your
doctor about nausea and vomiting so that you can get treated for these symptoms.
Diarrhea: TREANDA may cause diarrhea. You should report diarrhea to your healthcare
provider so that it can be treated.
Rash: A mild rash or itching may appear during treatment with TREANDA. Immediately
tell your doctor about any rash or itch that is noticeable or getting worse.
How can side effects be managed?
During treatment with TREANDA, your healthcare provider may do blood tests.
These will show how you are responding to treatment and if you have low blood counts
that might affect how you feel. For example:
- A low number of red blood cells may make you feel tired easily or short of breath
- A low number of white blood cells may raise your chances for infection. If you have a fever or other signs of infection, like chills or coughing, you should call your doctor right away
- A low number of platelets will raise your chances of bleeding. Call your doctor if you have any kind of bleeding that is not normal for you
It is very important to tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you have any side
effects during treatment. Taking an active role in your treatment will help make sure that you get the best possible effect from using TREANDA.
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Indications
TREANDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
(CLL). Efficacy relative to first-line therapies other than chlorambucil has not
been established.
TREANDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma (NHL) that has progressed during or within 6 months of treatment with rituximab
or a rituximab-containing regimen.
Important Safety Information
- The most common non-blood-related side effects (occurring in ≥15% of patients) with TREANDA are pyrexia (fever), nausea, and vomiting
- The most common blood-related side effects (occurring in ≥15% of patients) with TREANDA are reduction of red blood cells, reduction of blood platelets, reduction of neutrophils (white blood cells), reduction of lymphoid cells in the blood, and low counts of leukocytes (white blood cells)
- Allergic Reactions: There is a possibility of mild or serious allergic reactions with TREANDA. Immediately report rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing during or soon after infusion because these symptoms may become severe or even life-threatening
- Myelosuppression: TREANDA may cause a decrease in white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. You will need frequent monitoring of your blood cells. Report shortness of breath, significant fatigue, bleeding, fever, or other signs of infection because these symptoms may become severe or even life-threatening
- Pregnancy and Nursing: TREANDA can cause fetal harm. Women should avoid becoming pregnant throughout treatment and for 3 months after TREANDA therapy has stopped. Men receiving TREANDA should use reliable contraception for the same time period. Report pregnancy immediately. Avoid nursing while receiving TREANDA
- Fatigue: TREANDA may cause tiredness. Avoid driving any vehicle or operating any dangerous tools or machinery if you experience this side effect
- Nausea and Vomiting: TREANDA may cause nausea and/or vomiting. You should report nausea and vomiting to your doctor so that you can get treatment for these symptoms
- Diarrhea: TREANDA may cause diarrhea. You should report diarrhea to your doctor so that it can be treated
- Rash: A mild rash or itching may occur during treatment with TREANDA. Immediately report severe or worsening rash or itching to your doctor
- Some side effects may lead to the dose of TREANDA being lowered, stopped, or delayed
- You should not take TREANDA if you have a known allergy to bendamustine or mannitol