Mitoxantrone (Injection)

Introduction:

Mitoxantrone (mye-toe-ZAN-trone)

Treats the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Also treats prostate cancer and certain types of leukemia.

Brand Name(s):

OTN Mitoxantrone, OTN MitoXANTRONE, Novantrone

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for up to 15 minutes.
• If this medicine gets on your skin, rinse the area well with warm water and tell your caregiver. If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of water, and tell your caregiver.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using, and all other cancer medicines you have received in the past.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may require you to have a pregnancy test before you receive each dose of this medicine, to make sure you are not pregnant.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease, anemia, blood clotting problems, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, bleeding problems, or any kind of infection. Also, tell your doctor if you have had cancer treatment or radiation in the past.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, congestive heart failure, or any type of swelling (such as in your ankles, feet, or hands). Your doctor may need to check your heart function before you start using this medicine.
• If you have pain, burning, redness, or swelling of your skin area where the IV needle is placed, tell your doctor right away.
• This medicine may change the color of your urine to bluish-green. The whites of your eyes may also appear slightly bluish-green. This is normal, especially within the first 24 hours after you receive the medicine.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Your doctor may also want to check your heart while you are using this medicine.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Burning, pain, swelling, or bruising of your skin where the needle is placed.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
• Pain or burning when you urinate, change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Rapid weight gain, or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
• Uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Uneven heartbeats.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Bone pain.
• Changes in your menstrual periods.
• Depressed mood.
• Hair loss.
• Loss of appetite, mild nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: