How is Bendeka different to Treanda?

Although Bendeka and Treanda both contain bendamustine hydrochloride, there are two main differences between them.

The first difference is that it takes less time to administer the same dosage of Bendeka compared to Treanda.

• An infusion of Bendeka can be administered over 10 minutes whereas an infusion of Treanda must be administered over 60 minutes.

The second difference is that Bendeka is compatible with polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)-containing infusion equipment, and Treanda injection is not.

• Treanda Injection cannot be used with closed system transfer devices (CSTDs), adapters, and syringes containing polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) as significant absorption of the active ingredient bendamustine to surfaces containing these ingredients will occur.
• This is because Treanda injection contains N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), which binds to polycarbonate or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).
• In addition, only polypropylene syringes with a metal needle and polypropylene hub can be used to withdraw and transfer Treanda Injection into the infusion bag. Polypropylene syringes are translucent in appearance.

Another difference concerns the confusion that exists by having two types of Treanda formulations available: Treanda Injection and Treanda for Injection which is a powder that requires mixing with sterile water before diluting.

The concentration of bendamustine hydrochloride also differs in these preparations.

• In Treanda injection the concentration of bendamustine is 90 mg/mL.
• After reconstituting the concentration of bendamustine in Treanda for injection is 5 mg/mL.

Treanda injection and Treanda for injection should not be mixed or combined.

In 2016, Teva replaced Treanda with Bendeka, although Treanda is still available through Cephalon, a subsidiary company of Teva.

Related questions

• Are lung nodules common after Bendeka & Rituxan therapy?
• Why has Bendeka replaced Treanda?
• How often is Bendeka given and how long does treatment last?

Bendeka Vs Treanda: Similarities

There are many similarities between Bendeka and Treanda:

• Both Bendeka and Treanda contain bendamustine HCl
• Bendeka has the same indications for use as Treanda and may be used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or indolent (slow-growing) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed despite treatment.
• Bendeka and Treanda have the same side effects.