Mitoxantrone Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Mitoxantrone

Generic name: mitoxantrone [ mye-toe-ZAN-trone ]
Brand name: Novantrone
Dosage form: intravenous solution (2 mg/mL)
Drug class: Antibiotics / antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 16, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## 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.

## Related/similar drugs

methotrexate, estradiol, Premarin, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, Xtandi, Casodex

## 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 function will need to be checked before, during, and after your treatment with mitoxantrone. The longer you use mitoxantrone, the more likely you are to develop heart problems.

Mitoxantrone can also increase your risk of bleeding or infection. You will need frequent medical tests. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

For 24 hours after your injection, you may notice a blue or green discoloration of your urine or the whites of your eyes. These temporary effects are not harmful.

You must remain under the care of a doctor while receiving mitoxantrone.

Detailed Mitoxantrone dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your mitoxantrone injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while receiving mitoxantrone?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

## Mitoxantrone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mitoxantrone may cause dangerous effects on your heart, even months or years after you stop using mitoxantrone. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have:

- swelling in your lower legs, rapid weight gain;

- fast or pounding heartbeats; or

- shortness of breath.

Mitoxantrone may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- signs of infection--fever, unusual weakness or tiredness, night sweats, unexplained weight loss;

- unusual bruising or bleeding;

- bone pain;

- trouble breathing; or

- pain, burning, swelling, redness, bruising, or skin changes where the injection was given.

Common side effects of mitoxantrone may include:

- fever, chills, mouth sores, or other signs of infection;

- nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;

- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat;

- missed menstrual periods;

- hair loss; or

- blue-green colored urine or a bluish color of the whites of the eyes.

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.

Mitoxantrone side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect mitoxantrone?

Other drugs may affect mitoxantrone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Mitoxantrone drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about mitoxantrone

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (2)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antibiotics/antineoplastics
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Novantrone

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia
- Mantle Cell Lymphoma
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Prostate Cancer

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 8.01.