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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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 use mitoxantrone if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. You 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 may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell 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 receiving mitoxantrone?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mitoxantrone.
To make sure you can safely use mitoxantrone, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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 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. You should not breast-feed while using mitoxantrone.
Using mitoxantrone can sometimes increase your risk of developing secondary types of leukemia. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk.