Menu Close

Mitoxantrone

Chemotherapy

Brand names:

Novantrone®

Often used for:

Leukemia, Lymphoma

clipboard icon

About Mitoxantrone

Mitoxantrone is a type of chemotherapy. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cells. Mitoxantrone is usually a blue liquid.

Mitoxantrone can cause serious heart problems. These problems can occur during therapy or months to years later. Families should tell the care team right away if the patient has a cough, a heartbeat that does not feel normal (such as too fast or too slow), swelling in the arms or legs, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, tiredness or weakness. The care team may order tests before and during treatment to see if the patient’s heart is working well enough to receive mitoxantrone.

Patients will have regular blood draws to check blood counts and monitor liver and kidney function. This medicine can cause heart damage, and heart function may be monitored.

Mitoxantrone can cause tissue damage if it leaks from the vein. Patients may have irritation and skin damage at the IV site. Let a caregiver know if there is burning during administration.

iv bag icon

Given as a liquid into a vein by IV or injection

 
exclamation mark in a circle icon

Possible Side Effects

  • Blue-green color of urine, saliva, or tears
  • Blue-green color of the white part of the eyes
  • Low blood counts (may cause increased risk of infection, bleeding, anemia, and/or fatigue)
  • Heart problems
  • Skin irritation at the IV site
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Nail bed changes
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Mouth sores
  • Hair loss
  • Liver problems
  • Change in the normal menstrual cycle

Not all patients who take mitoxantrone will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

late effects icon

Possible Late Effects

Some patients may experience long-term or late effects of treatment that may continue or develop months or years after treatment ends. Possible late effects due to Doxorubicin include:

family icon

Tips for Families

Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • While taking mitoxantrone, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Be sure to follow the care team’s instructions for appropriate fluid intake.
  • A doctor may prescribe medicine to reduce nausea and vomiting.
  • Mitoxantrone can damage the heart. Patients should have ongoing monitoring of cardiac function and watch for signs of heart disease. Heart problems can occur at any time during or after treatment.
  • While taking this medicine, do not eat grapefruit or Seville (bitter) oranges or drink juice or beverages containing grapefruit or Seville orange.
  • Sexually active patients should take steps to prevent pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after completion of therapy.
  • Patients should tell their doctor if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Caregivers should follow instructions to avoid contact with patient body fluids which can contain the drug for 48 hours after it is given.

Mitoxantrone resources

Learn More About Mitoxantrone

Print This Page

Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.