What is Mitoxantrone?
Mitoxantrone can be used in the treatment of prostate carcinoma and some types of leukemia.
Mitoxantrone can also be used for certain forms of multiple sclerosis. Mitoxantrone does not cure multiple sclerosis.
This medication guide does not list all possible uses of mitoxantrone.
Side effects of Mitoxantrone
If you experience difficulty breathing, hives, lip, face, throat or tongue swelling; any of these could be signs of an allergy.
If any of the following symptoms appear:
- Your lower legs could swell rapidly due to rapid weight gain;
- Fast or pounding pulses.
- Shortness of breath.
Mitoxantrone may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Signs of infection: fever, uncharacteristic weakness, fatigue, or night sweats; weight loss.
- Unusual bruising and bleeding
- Bone pain
- Trouble breathing
- Pain, burning, swelling, or redness at the site of injection.
Mitoxantrone side effects may include:
- Fever, chills, or mouth sores are all signs of an infection.
- Nausea; diarrhea; constipation.
- A cough and a sore neck are all examples of symptoms.
- Missed menstrual cycles
- Hair loss;
- Blue-green urine, or the color of the whites of the eyes.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Please report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
methotrexate, estradiol, premarin, rituximab, Xtandi, cyclophosphamide, and Rituxan
Warnings
Mitoxantrone can cause heart problems that are serious and even fatal months or years after the last dose. If you experience swelling of your legs, rapid weight gain, or have a pounding or fast heartbeat, call your doctor immediately.
You will be required to have your heart function checked prior to, during, and following treatment with Mitoxantrone.
Mitoxantrone may also cause bleeding and infection. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, or if there are new symptoms of infection such as fatigue or fever, call your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any symptoms, such as a sudden weakness, pain in the bones, difficulty breathing, sweating at night, weight loss that is not explained, skin changes, or discomfort around an injection site.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to mitoxantrone, then it is best not to use this drug.
Inform your doctor of all other cancer medications and radiation treatments that you have received.
If you've ever:
- An infection or suppression of the bone marrow;
- A weakened immune system due to the use of certain medicines;
- Heart problems
- Low blood cell counts
- Liver or kidney disease
- Radiation to the chest region
Avoid using mitoxantrone while pregnant. This drug could cause harm to the baby. You should use effective birth control and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant while on treatment.
Before each injection of mitoxantrone, you may be required to take a pregnancy test.
If you are using mitoxantrone, it is not recommended that you breastfeed.
How to take Mitoxantrone?
Mitoxantrone can be infused into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional.
If you experience any pain or swelling when the mitoxantrone injection is given, tell your healthcare provider.
Mitoxantrone can have serious effects or even be fatal to the heart. You will need your heart function checked prior to, during, and after treatment. You are more susceptible to heart disease the longer you take mitoxantrone.
Mitoxantrone may also cause bleeding and infection. Medical tests will be required frequently. The results of your tests may delay the cancer treatment.
You may see a discoloration in your urine or on the whites of your eyes for 24 hours following your injection. These effects are temporary and not harmful.
While receiving mitoxantrone, you must be under the supervision of a physician.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, call your doctor and ask for further instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions on foods, drinks, or activities, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Mitoxantrone can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking.
