Important Note:

The Following Information Is Intended To Supplement, Not Substitute For, The Expertise And Judgment Of Your Physician, Pharmacist Or Other Healthcare Professional. It Should Not Be Construed To Indicate That Use Of The Drug Is Safe, Appropriate, Or Effective For You. Consult Your Healthcare Professional Before Using This Drug.

mitoxantrone - Injection

(my-toe-zan-trone)

Common Brand Name(s): Novantrone

Warning: Mitoxantrone May Cause Severe Blood Disorders (e.g., Bone Marrow Suppression, Neutropenia). Bone Marrow Suppression Decreases Your Body's Ability To Fight Infections. Immediately Notify Your Doctor If You Have Symptoms Of An Infection (persistent Sore Throat Or Fever), Easy Bruising Or Bleeding, Or Unusual Fatigue. Mitoxantrone May Cause Heart Problems (including Heart Failure). See Side Effects For More Details. Heart Problems May Occur During Therapy Or Sometimes Months To Years After Receiving This Medication. The Risk Of Developing Heart Problems Varies Depending On Your Dose And Condition. Very Rarely, Development Of Other Cancers (e.g., Secondary Leukemia) Have Occurred In Cancer Patients Treated With Mitoxantrone. Consult Your Doctor For More Details. Mitoxantrone Should Only Be Used Under Close Medical Supervision. Monitoring And Laboratory Tests (e.g., Blood Cell Counts) Will Need To Be Performed.

Uses:

Mitoxantrone Is Used To Treat Leukemia, Various Types Of Cancer, Or Multiple Sclerosis.

How To Use:

Use This As Directed. This Medication Is Administered By Injection. This Medication Must Be Handled Carefully Because It Can Irritate The Skin. The Dose And Frequency Of Use Will Be Determined In Part By Your Condition And Your Response To Therapy. Follow Your Doctor's Instructions Closely And Be Sure To Ask Any Questions You May Have About This Therapy.

Side Effects:

Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Or Irritation At The Injection Site May Occur. If These Effects Continue Or Become Bothersome, Inform Your Doctor. Notify Your Doctor If You Develop: Mouth Sores, Easy Bruising Or Bleeding, Black Tarry Stools, Skin Rash, Chest Pain. This Medication May Cause Heart Problems (including Heart Failure). Notify Your Doctor Immediately If You Develop: Irregular Heartbeat, Trouble Breathing, Swelling Of The Hands Or Feet, Dry Cough, Weakness With Activity. This Medication May Cause Urine To Turn Blue-green In Color For Up To 1 Day After It Is Taken. Do Not Be Alarmed. Expect This Effect. The White Part Of The Eyes May Also Turn A Bluish Color. This Medication May Cause Temporary, Reversible Hair Loss. Normal Hair Growth Should Return After Mitoxantrone Treatment Has Ended. This Medication Affects Your Blood Cells Reducing Your Ability To Fight Off Infections. Notify Your Doctor If You Develop Any Signs Of An Infection (fever, Chills). If You Notice Other Effects Not Listed Above, Contact Your Doctor Or Pharmacist.

Precautions:

Tell Your Doctor Your Medical History, Especially: Heart Or Liver Disease, Any Infections, Shingles, Recent Exposure To Chickenpox, Previous Anti-cancer Drug Treatment, Any Allergies You May Have. Due To Possible Fetal Harm Or Death, A Pregnancy Test Is Needed Before Starting Treatment. Use Of Reliable Birth Control Is Necessary. Consult Your Doctor. Mitoxantrone Is Not Recommended For Use During Pregnancy. Consult Your Doctor. It Is Not Known If This Medication Passes Into Breast Milk. Consult Your Doctor Before Breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions:

Tell Your Doctor Of Any Over-the-counter Or Prescription Medication You May Take. Do Not Start Or Stop Any Medicine Without Doctor Or Pharmacist Approval.

Overdose:

If Overdose Is Suspected, Contact Your Local Poison Control Center Or Emergency Room Immediately.

Notes:

Blood And Laboratory Tests Will Be Done Frequently To Monitor The Effectiveness Of This Medication And To Prevent Side Effects.

Missed Dose:

It Is Important That Each Dose Be Used As Directed. If You Miss A Dose, Contact Your Doctor To Establish A New Dosing Schedule. Do Not "double-up" The Dose To Catch Up.

Storage:

Store This Medication At Room Temperature As Directed. Do Not Freeze. Store Any Remaining Undiluted Drug At Room Temperature For No Longer Than 7 Days Or For 14 Days Under Refrigeration.

Medical Alert: Your Condition Can Cause Complications In A Medical Emergency. For Enrollment Information Call Medicalert At 1-800-854-1166 (usa), Or 1-800-668-1507 (canada).