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mitoxantrone - injection, Novantrone

GENERIC NAME: MITOXANTRONE - INJECTION (my-toe-ZAN-trone)

BRAND NAME(S): Novantrone

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Mitoxantrone must be given only by injection into a vein. Do not give by injection into a muscle, under the skin, or into the spinal cord. If this medication accidentally leaks into the skin/muscle around the injection site, it may cause severe damage. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at or near the injection site.

This medication may infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) heart problems (including heart failure). This effect may occur during treatment or months to years after treatment is completed. The risk of heart problems is affected by your dose, medical history (including previous heart disease, radiation treatment to the chest area, or if you have MS-multiple sclerosis), and previous use of this and other drugs (including doxorubicin or daunorubicin). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, or swelling ankles/feet.

Very rarely, people who are treated with this type of medication have developed new cancers (e.g., secondary leukemia). The risk may be increased when this medication is given with certain anti-cancer drugs or radiation treatment. Consult your doctor for more details.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, heart/liver function tests) should be performed before starting treatment and periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

USES: Mitoxantrone is used to treat leukemia and other cancers. It is also used to treat multiple sclerosis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as anthracenediones and works by slowing or stopping the growth of certain cells (including cancer cells and cells that affect the body's natural defenses).

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