Mitoxantrone
Generic name: mitoxantrone [ mye-toe-ZAN-trone ]
Brand name: Novantrone
Dosage form: intravenous solution (2 mg/mL)
Drug class:Antibiotics / antineoplastics
What is mitoxantrone?
Mitoxantrone is used to treat prostate cancer and certain types of leukemia.
Mitoxantrone is also used to treat certain types of progressive or relapsing multiple sclerosis. Mitoxantrone is not a cure for multiple sclerosis.
Mitoxantrone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Mitoxantrone may cause serious or fatal heart problems, even months or years after your last dose. Call your doctor at once if you have swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain, fast or pounding heartbeats, or shortness of breath.
Your heart function will need to be checked before, during, and after your treatment with mitoxantrone.
Mitoxantrone can also increase your risk of bleeding or infection. Call your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding, or new signs of infection, such as fever or tiredness.
Also tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as unusual weakness, bone pain, trouble breathing, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or any skin changes or discomfort where an injection was given.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use mitoxantrone if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor about all other cancer medicines and radiation treatments you've had.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
an infection, or bone marrow suppression;
a weak immune system caused by using certain medicine;
heart problems;
low blood cell counts;
liver or kidney disease; or
radiation to your chest area.
Do not use mitoxantrone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before each mitoxantrone injection.
You should not breastfeed while using mitoxantrone.
How is mitoxantrone given?
Mitoxantrone is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when mitoxantrone is injected.
Mitoxantrone may cause serious or fatal effects on your heart, even if you've never had heart problems. Your heart functi...
