Novantrone (Mitoxantrone for Injection Concentrate) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Novantrone Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Novantrone

Generic Name: mitoxantrone (Pronunciation: mye toe ZAN trone)

What is mitoxantrone (Novantrone)?

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of mitoxantrone (Novantrone)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, mouth sores, unusual weakness;
feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
swelling, rapid weight gain;
pain or burning when you urinate;
urinating more or less than usual;
chest pain or tightness, trouble breathing;
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or
skin changes where the medicine was injected.

Less serious side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;
depressed mood;
missed menstrual periods;
tired feeling;
blue-green colored urine or a bluish color of the whites of the eyes for a few days after each dose;
headache; or
thinning hair.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about mitoxantrone (Novantrone)?

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 receive mitoxantrone without telling your doctor 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 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 will need to be tested on a regular basis. Avoid being near people who have contagious illnesses. Contact 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.

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