Women's Health

Mitoxantrone Injectable Solution (MITOXANTRONE - INJECTION)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • multiple sclerosis
  • cancer

Generic Name: Mitoxantrone

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

Avoid getting medicine on the skin or in the eyes. If this happens, wash the skin with soap and water. For eyes, open eyelid and flush with plenty of water and tell your doctor right away.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

May cause mouth sores. Brush teeth gently. Avoid products containing alcohol. Rinse mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda or salt.

Some patients with weak hearts may have worsening of symptoms. If you notice difficulty breathing, weight gain, or swelling of your legs or ankles, let your doctor know right away.

Rarely, this medicine may cause serious injury at the site of injection. Call your doctor right away if you notice any pain, swelling, blisters, sores, lumps under the skin, or scabbing at the injection site.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems and heart attack. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

Severe vomiting or diarrhea may cause the body lose too much water. Contact your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual dry mouth, increased thirst, urinating less often, lack of tears, or pale or wrinkled skin.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may cause urine to turn blue or green. This is temporary and harmless.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. This medicine can pass through breast milk to the baby.

This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.

This medicine may damage sperm. Men should use reliable birth control while taking this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • hair loss
  • headaches
  • nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • irregular heart beat
  • bleeding or bruising
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • nosebleeds
  • numbness or tingling in hands and feet
  • menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
  • small red, purple or brown spots on the skin
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • excessive thirst
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blood in urine
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • sudden or unexplained weight gain

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.