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Mitoxantrone: What to Expect, Side Effects, and More

Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapy medicine that interferes with cancer cell growth and blocks the repair of damaged cells.
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Mitoxantrone (brand name: Novantrone) is a type of chemotherapy used to treat advanced-stage breast cancer.

See mitoxantrone prescribing information.

 

How mitoxantrone works

Mitoxantrone is an anthracycline chemotherapy medicine. This type of chemotherapy works by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, which stops the cancer cells from dividing or growing.

Adriamycin, Doxil, and daunorubicin are other anthracyclines.

 

What to expect during mitoxantrone treatment

Mitoxantrone is given intravenously. Like other chemotherapy medicines, you’ll receive mitoxantrone infusions on a treatment cycle — typically, one infusion every 21 days. 

 

Mitoxantrone side effects

Like almost all breast cancer medicines, mitoxantrone can cause side effects, some of them severe.

The most common side effects of mitoxantrone are:

  • blue-green colored urine for 24 hours after receiving the medicine

  • nausea

  • vomiting

  • diarrhea

  • hair loss

  • constipation

  • mouth sores

  • stomach pain

  • fever and chills

  • cough and sore throat

  • 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

Mitoxantrone can also lead to severe side effects, including heart problems, leukemia, and issues with blood cells made from bone marrow (called myelosuppression).

Before starting mitoxantrone, you will likely undergo heart tests, so that your healthcare team can monitor heart changes as you take the medicine. 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your doctor about this medicine, as it can harm your unborn baby and pass through breast milk. 

 

Paying for Mitoxantrone

The cost of Mitoxantrone may vary. The price you’ll pay depends on the drug manufacturer, your health insurance provider and plan, where you live, and the pharmacy you use. You may also be charged for the office visits required for mitoxantrone infusions.

Note: Your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization before covering mitoxantrone. 

Learn more about financial assistance and medicine cost-lowering tips.

— Last updated on August 30, 2024 at 7:58 PM