What is Novantrone (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 is the most important information I should know about Novantrone (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 discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Novantrone (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:

• 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
• a blood cell disorder, such as anemia (decreased red blood cells) or decreased platelets
• liver disease; or
• 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.

Novantrone Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Novantrone (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
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• swelling, rapid weight gain
• pain or burning when you urinate
• urinating more or less than usual
• chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing
• black, bloody, or tarry stools
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
• skin changes where the medicine was injected

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain
• depressed mood
• missed menstrual periods
• tired feeling
• blue-green colored urine or a bluish color of the whites of the eyes for a few days after each dose
• headache; or
• 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.

Novantrone Interactions

What other drugs affect Novantrone (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 should I avoid while taking Novantrone (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.

Novantrone Dosage

How should I take Novantrone (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 overdose on Novantrone (Mitoxantrone)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine.
Overdose can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, unusual weakness, or ongoing nausea and vomiting.

What happens if I miss a dose of Novantrone (Mitoxantrone)?

Contact your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your mitoxantrone injection.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com