Mitoxantrone

Chemical name: Mitoxantrone

Brand name: Novantrone

Class: Anthracycline chemotherapy. Adriamycin, Doxil, daunorubicin, and Ellence are other anthracyclines.

How it works: Anthracyclines kill cancer cells by damaging their genes and interfering with their reproduction.

Uses: Mitoxantrone usually is given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines. It's typically used to treat advanced-stage breast cancer.

How it's given: Mitoxantrone is given intravenously.

Additional information: Mitoxantrone can have a toxic effect on the heart. You should be tested for heart problems before starting to take Mitoxantrone and should be continuously monitored for developing problems during treatment.

Side effects:

• low white blood cell counts
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• constipation
• heartburn
• loss of appetite
• mouth sores
• nail changes
• weakness
• fatigue
• headache
• back pain
• runny nose
• irregular periods -- this can include temporary cessation (usually resume after medication is completed) or permanent cessation of menstrual periods depending on your age and other factors