Bemunat (bendamustine) - Increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

A Dear Healthcare Professional Letter has been issued by Natco Pharma Asia to inform healthcare professionals of the increased risks of non-melanoma skin cancer and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) associated with the use of bendamustine, which were observed in clinical trials and the post-marketing setting respectively. The Singapore package insert for Bemunat will be updated to reflect these risks. Healthcare professionals are advised to periodically perform skin examinations in patients on bendamustine-containing regimens, particularly in patients with risk factors for skin cancer – these include people with lighter natural skin colour; skin that burns, freckles or reddens easily; a large number of moles; and a personal or family history of skin cancer. Healthcare professionals are also advised to consider PML in the differential diagnosis for patients on bendamustine with new or worsening neurological, cognitive, or behavioural signs or symptoms and if PML is suspected, to undertake appropriate diagnostic evaluations and suspend treatment until PML is excluded. Please refer to the letter for details.
Healthcare professional, Industry member, Therapeutic Products
Published:

Dear Healthcare Professional Letters

18 May 2021

Only abstracts of the Dear Healthcare Professional Letters (DHCPL) are provided on this website. Details of the letters can be found on the MOH Alert System, which is accessible via the Health Professionals Portal (HPP). HPP is a one-stop portal for all healthcare professionals in Singapore. Dentists, medical doctors and pharmacists may access HPP at https://www.hpp.moh.gov.sg/, and follow the procedures below to access the MOH Alert system.

Step 1: Scroll down to the bottom navigation panel of the HPP web page. Under the Healthcare Professionals section, expand the dropdown option for ‘Healthcare Professional Portal’ and select your profession. You will be redirected to the specific HPP web page to log in.

Step 2: Click on the Restricted Content icon on the left panel of the web page and log in via SingPass.

Step 3: Click on the MOH Alert icon under the ‘Applications’ section.

Step 4: Click on the Drug Alert tab to view the DHCPLs.