MITOXANTRONE
Background and Date of Approval
Mitoxantrone is a synthetic antineoplastic medication belonging to the anthracenedione class. It is a cytotoxic drug used in the treatment of certain cancers and other specific medical conditions. Mitoxantrone received its initial FDA approval in 1987 for the treatment of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. Its use was later expanded, including FDA approval in October 2000 for certain forms of multiple sclerosis.
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 miss a scheduled dose, inform your healthcare professional immediately to reschedule. Should the medicine contact your eyes, rinse with large amounts of water and inform your doctor. This medicine is not safe during pregnancy and may harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, anaemia, blood clotting problems, bone marrow problems, low white blood cell counts, bleeding problems, or any kind of infection. This medicine may change the colour of your urine to bluish-green. The whites of your eyes may also appear slightly bluish-green. This is normal, particularly within the first 24 hours after administration. This medicine may increase your tendency to bleed, bruise, or develop infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Your doctor will perform regular laboratory tests during follow-up visits to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all scheduled appointments. Your doctor may also monitor your heart function 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.