What is mitoxantrone?
Mitoxantrone is a cancer medication that interferes with cancer cells and slows their growth and
spread in the body. Mitoxantrone also affects the immune system.
Mitoxantrone is used to treat prostate cancer and certain types of leukemia.
Mitoxantrone is also used to treat the symptoms of relapsing multiple sclerosis. This medication
will not cure multiple sclerosis.
Mitoxantrone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mitoxantrone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mitoxantrone.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to
safely use this medication:
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prior treatment with mitoxantrone;
-
heart disease, congestive heart failure;
-
a weak immune system (bone marrow depression);
-
any type of infection;
-
a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder;
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a blood cell disorder, such as anemia (decreased red blood
cells) or decreased platelets;
-
liver disease; or
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if you have ever been treated with daunorubicin
(Cerubidine, Daunoxome) or doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil).
FDA pregnancy category D.
Do not use mitoxantrone
without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective
birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Your doctor may want you to have a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before
you receive each injection of mitoxantrone.
Mitoxantrone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Using mitoxantrone can sometimes increase your risk of developing secondary types of
leukemia. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.
How should I take mitoxantrone?
Mitoxantrone is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this
injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Mitoxantrone injections are usually given once every 3 months
for up to 3 years. Your dose of this medication will depend on why you are receiving it and whether it
causes any harmful side effects.
Tell your caregivers if you have any burning, stinging, pain, itching, redness, bruising, or swelling
around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.
Mitoxantrone may cause your urine to turn a blue-green color. You may also notice a bluish
discoloration of the whites of your eyes. This side effect should last only a few days and is not harmful.
Mitoxantrone can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier
for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood
cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis.
You must
remain under the care of a doctor while receiving mitoxantrone.
Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat,
flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and
vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.
Mitoxantrone can also cause serious heart damage. Your heart rate will need to be
checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) before and during your
treatment with mitoxantrone. This machine measures electrical activity of the heart. This will help your
doctor determine how long you can safely receive mitoxantrone.
The effects of mitoxantrone on your heart could be long-lasting. Your doctor may want to keep
checking your heart function at yearly visits even after your mitoxantrone treatment ends. Do not miss
any scheduled appointments.
What happens if I miss a dose of mitoxantrone?
Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your mitoxantrone injection.
Where can I get more information about mitoxantrone?
Your pharmacist has information about mitoxantrone written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of mitoxantrone?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms,
easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, mouth sores, unusual
weakness;
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feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
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swelling, rapid weight gain;
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pain or burning when you urinate;
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urinating more or less than usual;
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chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing;
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black, bloody, or tarry stools;
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coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
or
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skin changes where the medicine was injected.
Less serious side effects may include:
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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
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depressed mood;
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missed menstrual periods;
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tired feeling;
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blue-green colored urine or a bluish color of the whites of
the eyes for a few days after each dose;
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headache; or
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thinning hair.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about mitoxantrone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mitoxantrone.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever received it in the past, or if
you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, a weak immune system, any type of infection, a
bleeding or blood-clotting disorder; a blood cell disorder, liver disease, or if you have ever been treated
with daunorubicin (Cerubidine, Daunoxome) or doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex, Doxil).
Do not receive mitoxantrone
without telling your doctor if you are
pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment. Your may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not
pregnant before you receive each injection of mitoxantrone.
Mitoxantrone can cause your urine to turn a blue-green color. You may also notice a bluish
discoloration of the whites of your eyes. This side effect should last only a few days and is not harmful.
Mitoxantrone can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood will need
to be tested on a regular basis. Avoid being near people who have contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Mitoxantrone can also cause serious heart damage. Your heart rate will need to be
checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) before, during, and after
your treatment with mitoxantrone. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. The effects of
mitoxantrone on your heart could be long-lasting.
You must remain under the care of a doctor while receiving mitoxantrone.
What should I avoid while taking mitoxantrone?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your
doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What other drugs will affect mitoxantrone?
There may be other drugs that can interact with mitoxantrone. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of mitoxantrone?