Leukaemia is a form of cancer that develops in the body’s white blood cells. White blood cells are part of our immune system and play an essential role in protecting the body from infection and disease. As the abnormal white blood cells, known as leukaemia cells, multiply, they begin to crowd out the normal cells in the blood. This can have a wide range of effects on the body and its systems.
Type of leukaemia
Leukaemia affects the production process of white blood cells, how they mature and how effectively they can fight sickness. For example, one of the leukaemia subtypes, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, impairs the ability of a person’s white blood cells to respond to infection and create additional white blood cells to fight off dangerous invaders. Leukaemia can also affect the ability of normal white blood cells to do their job properly.
Affects from leukaemia
Leukaemia can either cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood, known as Leukopenia, or an increase in the number of white blood cells, known as Leukocytosis. Both of these conditions can have harmful effects on the immune system. Leukopenia can cause the body to be more susceptible to infection, while Leukocytosis can cause inflammation and weakened organ function.
Reproduction at an accelerated rate
The effects of leukaemia on white blood cells aren’t just limited to the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. As the leukaemia cells multiply, they create further damage to the body’s immune system. Leukaemia cells cannot fight infections and in their place produces proteins that have the potential to damage other cells. They also reproduce at an accelerated rate, crowding out not only white blood cells but also red blood cells and platelets in the blood.
Insight into this medication
Bendamustine 100mg is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain kinds of cancer, such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL). The medication works by impacting the activity of certain cells and stopping their growth. It is used in combination with other treatments such as corticosteroids and rituximab. Bendamustine is taken in tablet form, and the recommended dosage is 100mg every three weeks.
Dosage of its administration
When taking bendamustine injection, it is important to follow the instructions as given by a doctor. The tablet should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours before or two hours after eating. It should be taken with water, and the dose should be swallowed whole, without crushing or breaking it. It is important to store the medication at the correct temperature and away from light, moisture and heat.
Effects to be taken with precaution
There are several side effects associated with bendamustine 100mg. The most common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, mouth sores and decreased levels of platelets and white blood cells in the bloodstream. Other side effects may include hair loss, headaches, muscle pain and difficulty sleeping.
Consult with your healthcare provider
Patients taking bendamustine 100mg should inform their healthcare provider about any other medications, vitamins or supplements they are taking since some types of medications can interact with it. Bendamustine may also interact with some antibiotics. Patients should also inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Serious effects of it
It is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately if any serious side effects occur while taking bendamustine. Such serious side effects include changes in the menstrual cycle, depression, blurred vision, chest pain, high fever, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and joint pain.
Conclusion
Bendamustine 100mg can help in the treatment of some cancers, but it also comes with risks. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication with a healthcare provider before making a decision. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and to look out for any signs of serious side effects.
Leukaemia has far-reaching effects on the body and its systems. Not only can it damage the immune system, but its impact on the production and maturation of white blood cells can cause further harm to the body, such as increasing its susceptibility to infection and weakening its ability to fight disease. To properly fight off leukaemia, it’s important to be aware of the various effects it can have and to be proactive in treating the condition.
