MITOXANTRONE
Background and Date of Approval
Mitoxantrone is an anti-neoplastic drug that belongs to the class of medications called anthracene diones. FDA approved it initially on 13 October 2000 for its medical use.
Uses
Mitoxantrone is an intravenously administered drug. It is indicated for reducing neurologic disability and the frequency of clinical relapses in patients with secondary (chronic) progressive, progressive relapsing, or worsening relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is also combined with other medicines to treat patients with pain related to advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer. It is also indicated in the initial therapy of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) in adults.
How is it administered?
Mitoxantrone will be administered to you by a doctor or other healthcare professional in a hospital setting trained in cancer chemotherapy. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and duration of the therapy based on your disease status, severity, and other factors such as body weight, other disease conditions, and age. This medicine will be given intravenously (into your vein). Do not self-administer the injection.
Side Effects
The common side effects of mitoxantrone are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased hemoglobin count, decreased WBC count, headache, urinary tract infection, and menstruation problems. Other serious side effects are heart infection, liver injury, and infection.
Warnings
Mitoxantrone may cause severe birth defects when administered during pregnancy. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, suspecting or planning for pregnancy. Do not take Mitoxantrone if you are allergic to Mitoxantrone or any of the other ingredients. Inform your physician if you have bronchial asthma, liver disorders, kidney disorders, heart problems, infections, or have had chest radiotherapy before taking this medicine.
Precautions
This medicine may cause a blue-green coloration to the urine for 24 hours after administration. Bluish discoloration of the whites of your eyes, skin, and nails may also occur. This medicine may increase the risk for the temporary or persistent absence of menstruation in women of childbearing age. Vaccinations and immunizations may not work during the treatment with this medicine. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with mitoxantrone and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Especially, Inform your physician if you are taking any medications for heart problems.
Word of Advice
Store vials between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you missed the dosing schedule, inform your healthcare professional immediately and reschedule. If the medicine gets in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of water, and tell your doctor. It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Inform your physician if you have liver disease, anemia, blood clotting problems, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, bleeding problems, or any kind of infection. This medicine may change the color of your urine to bluish-green. The whites of your eyes may also appear slightly bluish-green. This is normal, especially within the first 24 hours after you receive the medicine. This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor may also want to check your heart while you are using this medicine.
References
EMD Serono, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Issued on Aug 2008] [ Accessed on 06 May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/019297s030s031lbl.pdf LE Posner; Mitoxantrone: an overview of safety and toxicity; Investigational New Drugs; Published on 1985; Accessed on 06 May 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3894276 /
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my urine bluish-green after taking Mitoxantrone?
This medicine may change the color of your urine to bluish-green. The whites of your eyes may also appear slightly bluish-green. This is normal, especially within the first 24 hours after you receive the medicine.
What if I miss a dose of Mitoxantrone?
Do not miss your dose. Keep all your appointments with the dosing regularly. In case if you forget or miss an appointment, inform your healthcare professional and reschedule the dosing.
Are there any special dietary instructions I should follow while taking Mitoxantrone?
Unless your doctor tells you to avoid certain foods, continue your normal diet. Consult your doctor for more advice on dietary restrictions.
Does mitoxantrone cause hair loss?
Since mitoxantrone may also affect normal body cell growth, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Other effects, like hair loss, may not be serious but may cause concern.
How is mitoxantrone excreted?
Mitoxantrone is excreted in urine and feces.