Novantrone - Mitoxantrone Injection

What is this medication?

MITOXANTRONE (MYE toe ZAN trone) treats leukemia and prostate cancer. It works by slowing down the growth of cancer cells. It may also be used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by slowing down an overactive immune system, which prevents or delays worsening symptoms. It also decreases the number of flare-ups.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Novantrone

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Infection, such as chickenpox, herpes
• Liver disease
• Low blood counts, such as low platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells
• Previous chemotherapy, especially with doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin
• Recent or ongoing radiation therapy
• An unusual or allergic reaction to mitoxantrone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or are trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Live virus vaccines

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Ciprofloxacin
• Cyclosporine
• Medications to increase blood counts, such as pegfilgrastim

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication.

This medication may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.

Your urine may turn blue-green for a few days after your dose. This is normal with this medication.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception.

Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.

There is a maximum amount of this medication you should receive throughout your life. The amount depends on the medical condition being treated and your overall health. Your care team will watch how much of this medication you receive. Tell your care team if you have taken this medication before.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, change in vision, confusion or trouble speaking, loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, seizures
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or swelling with sores inside the mouth or throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.