Mitoxantrone
Mitoxantrone (sometimes spelt mitozantrone and pronounced my-toe-zan-trone) is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used to treat breast cancer, a type of leukaemia known as myeloid leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This information describes mitoxantrone, how it is given and some of its possible side effects. It should ideally be read with our general information about chemotherapy and about your type of cancer.
If you have any further questions you can ask your doctor or nurse at the hospital where you are having your treatment, or speak to one of our cancer support service nurses.
- What mitoxantrone looks like
- How it is given
- Possible side effects
- Less common side effects
- Additional information
What mitoxantrone looks like
Mitoxantrone is a dark blue fluid.
How it is given
Mitoxantrone may be given:
- as an injection into a vein (intravenously) through a fine tube (cannula) inserted into the vein
- through a central line, which is inserted under the skin into a vein near the collarbone, or into a PICC line, which is inserted into a vein in the crook of the arm.
Possible side effects
Each person's reaction to chemotherapy is different. Some people have very few side effects, while others may experience more. The side effects described in this information will not affect everyone who is given mitoxantrone, and may be different if you are having more than one chemotherapy drug.
We have outlined the most common and less common side effects, so that you can be aware of them if they occur. However, we have not included those that are very rare and therefore extremely unlikely to affect you. If you notice any effects which you think may be due to the drug, but which are not listed in this information, please discuss them with your doctor or chemotherapy nurse.
Lowered resistance to infection Mitoxantrone can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next cycle of chemotherapy is due.
Contact your doctor or the hospital straightaway if:
- Your temperature goes above 38ºC (100.5ºF).
- You suddenly feel unwell (even with a normal temperature).
You will have a blood test before having more chemotherapy, to make sure that your cells have recovered. Occasionally it may be necessary to delay your treatment if the number of blood cells (the blood count) is still low.
Bruising or bleeding Mitoxantrone can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, and bleeding gums.
Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with mitoxantrone you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these are a problem.
Discoloured urine Your urine may become a green/blue colour. This may last for 24 hours after you have had mitoxantrone and is due to the colour of the drug. It is quite normal.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting If you do feel sick it may happen from the time that the treatment is given and last for about a day. Your doctor can now prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetics) drugs to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. If it is not controlled or continues, tell your doctor, who can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs that may be more effective.
Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
Less common side effects
Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.
Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.
Diarrhoea This can usually be easily controlled with medicine but let your doctor know if it is severe or if it continues. It is important to drink plenty of fluids if you have diarrhoea.
Hair loss This is rare and happens to very few people who are prescribed mitoxantrone. If it does happen, it usually begins about 3–4 weeks after the first dose. Your hair may become a little thinner, but not usually enough to be noticeable to other people. Hair loss is temporary and your hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.
Your liver may be temporarily affected Mitoxantrone may cause changes in the way that your liver works. These will return to normal when the treatment is finished. This is very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor this carefully. Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to check your liver is working properly.
Damage to the heart Large doses of mitoxantrone given over long periods may cause damage to the heart, but this is rare with standard doses. It may occur in people who have been treated with certain other drugs. Your doctor will normally check how well your heart is working before giving you mitoxantrone, and then at intervals during your treatment. In this way, treatment can be stopped before any damage to the heart affects your health.
The whites of your eyes may have a slight blue tint This is very rare. If it does happen, it is temporary. It is due to the colour of the drug and your eyes will return to normal when the treatment finishes.
Additional information
While mitoxantrone is being given, it can cause pain at the place where the injection is given, or along the vein. If you feel pain, tell the doctor or nurse.
There may be bluish discoloration along the vein. This is due to the colour of the drug and will return to normal when the treatment finishes.
Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy. Let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complementary therapies and herbal drugs.
Fertility Your ability to become pregnant or father a child may be affected by taking this drug. It is important to discuss fertility with your doctor before starting treatment.
Contraception It is not advisable to become pregnant or father a child while taking mitoxantrone, as the developing foetus may be harmed. It is important to use effective contraception while taking this drug, and for at least a few months afterwards. Again, discuss this with your doctor.
