Mitoxantrone (Systemic)

Brand Names : Novantrone

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way cancer medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These delayed effects may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Black, tarry stools; cough or shortness of breath

Less common

Blood in urine or stools; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever or chills; lower back or side pain; painful or difficult urination; pinpoint red spots on skin; swelling of feet and lower legs; unusual bleeding or bruising

Check with your health care professional as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Sores in mouth and on lips; stomach pain

Less common

Decrease in urination; seizures; sore, red eyes; yellow eyes or skin

Rare

Blue skin at place of injection; pain or redness at place of injection; skin rash

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

More common

Body aches or pains; congestion; constipation; diarrhea; dryness or soreness of throat; headache; irregular menstrual periods; longer or heavier menstrual periods; nausea and vomiting; oral bleeding; runny nose; sneezing; stuffy nose; tender, swollen glands in neck

Mitoxantrone may cause the urine to turn a blue-green color. It may also cause the whites of the eyes to turn a blue color. These effects are normal and last for only 1 or 2 days after each dose is given.

This medicine often causes a temporary loss of hair. After treatment with mitoxantrone has ended, normal hair growth should return.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.