Mitoxantrone

What is mitoxantrone?

Mitoxantrone (also known as Novantrone^®) is an anticancer medicine. It is a blue liquid given into a vein (IV).

Mitoxantrone can pose a health hazard to caregivers. All caregivers should take safety precautions while giving this drug. For 48 hours after this drug is given, the patient’s body fluids can contain the drug. During that 48-hour period, caregivers should follow safety guidelines when handling the patient’s vomit, blood, urine, and bowel movements, including diapers. These guidelines include wearing gloves when cleaning up body fluids. For a complete list of safety precautions, see “Do you know… Protecting caregivers from drug hazards.”

Possible side effects of mitoxantrone

Early

• Irritated tissue and skin damage at the IV site
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blue-green urine
• Diarrhea

Later (more than a day after treatment starts)

• Mouth sores
• Low blood counts, usually after 7-14 days
• Hair loss
• Injury to the heart

These are the most common side effects, but there may be others. Please report all side effects to the doctor or nurse.

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse or pharmacist at 595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833), and press 0 once the call is connected.

Special instructions for mitoxantrone

• Mitoxantrone can cause nausea and vomiting. The doctor may prescribe medicine to keep you from feeling sick and throwing up after you receive mitoxantrone.
• Tell the nurse right away if you have pain or redness at the IV site.
• Drink plenty of liquids while you are receiving mitoxantrone.
• It may be easier for you to get infections while you are receiving mitoxantrone. Stay away from crowds or people with colds, flu, or other infections.
• This medicine may make your mouth sore and irritated. The doctor or nurse may give you oral rinses to keep your mouth clean after you receive mitoxantrone.
• Blood samples will be taken on a regular basis to check blood counts and liver function.
• Tests to check heart function may be done while you are receiving mitoxantrone.
• Some medicines may interact with mitoxantrone, including:
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketoconazole
  • Voriconazole
• Always tell the doctor if you are taking these medicines, or if you start taking any new medicines while you are receiving mitoxantrone.