Novantrone (Mitoxantrone for Injection Concentrate) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Novantrone

Multiple Sclerosis »

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a person is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly. Multiple...

Read the Multiple Sclerosis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Novantrone User Reviews >>

Novantrone

Multiple Sclerosis Slideshow Pictures

Medical Illustrations of the MS Image Collection

Take the MS Quiz

font size

Novantrone Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

MITOXANTRONE - INJECTION

(my-toe-ZAN-trone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Novantrone

WARNING: Mitoxantrone must be given only by injection into a vein. Do not give by injection into a muscle, under the skin, or into the spinal cord. If this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle around the injection site, it may cause severe damage. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at or near the injection site.

This medication may infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) heart problems (including heart failure). This effect may occur during treatment or months to years after treatment is completed. The risk of heart problems is affected by your dose, medical history (including previous heart disease, radiation treatment to the chest area, or if you have MS-multiple sclerosis), and previous use of this and other drugs (including doxorubicin or daunorubicin). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling ankles/feet.

Very rarely, people who are treated with this type of medication have developed new cancers (e.g., secondary leukemia). The risk may be increased when this medication is given with certain anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment. Consult your doctor for more details.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, heart/liver function tests) should be performed before starting treatment and periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

USES: Mitoxantrone is used to treat leukemia and other cancers. It is also used to treat multiple sclerosis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anthracenediones and works by slowing or stopping the growth of certain cells (including cancer cells and cells that affect the body's natural defenses).

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.

If you are receiving this medication to treat multiple sclerosis, read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment and before receiving each dose.

If this medication touches your skin, immediately wash the area well with soap and water. If this medication gets in your eye, open the eyelid and flush with water for 15 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention.