What is this medication for?
Mitoxantrone belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. It causes the death of cancer cells by interfering with their growth and reproduction. It is used alone or in combination with other antineoplastic medications to treat many types of cancer. These include certain types of leukemia (a cancer of the white blood cells), and pain associated with advanced prostate cancer that is not responsive to hormones.
Mitoxantrone is also used to reduce disability and the frequency of relapses in certain patients with multiple sclerosis.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Mitoxantrone by Bedford Laboratories is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose and dosing schedule of mitoxantrone varies according to the specific condition being treated, the response to therapy, and the other medications or treatments being used. The dose is also based on body size.
Mitoxantrone is usually injected into a vein through a specially prepared site on your skin. Very careful handling of this medication is required. Mitoxantrone is always given under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation.
As well as interfering with the genetic material DNA of cancer cells, mitoxantrone can interfere with some of your normal cells. This can cause a number of side effects such as hair loss and mouth sores. Mitoxantrone can cause nausea and vomiting, but it is important to keep using this medication even if you feel ill. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can advise you on how to reduce the effects of nausea and vomiting. Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor as suggested in the section, "What side effects are possible with this medication?" While you are receiving mitoxantrone your doctor may want you to drink extra fluids to help prevent kidney problems.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Mitoxantrone should not be used by anyone who is allergic to mitoxantrone or any ingredients of the medication.