Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Mitoxantrone.
Blood clotting: Mitoxantrone can reduce the number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets help the blood to clot, and a shortage could make you bleed more easily. Tell your doctor of any signs that your blood is not clotting as quickly. Symptoms may include black and tarry stools, blood in the urine, easy bruising, or cuts that won't stop bleeding.
Gout and kidney stones: Mitoxantrone may increase the levels of uric acid in the body, increasing the risk of developing gout or kidney stones. If you develop painful, warm, and swollen joints or difficulty with urination, contact your doctor as soon as possible. People with a history of gout or kidney stones should discuss with their doctor how Mitoxantrone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Mitoxantrone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart disease: Mitoxantrone may cause heart failure during treatment or after treatment has finished. The risk of abnormal heart rhythm, Congestive Heart Failure, and a weakened heart (cardiomyopathy) is increased for people with preexisting heart disease. People with heart disease or an increased risk of heart disease should discuss with their doctor how Mitoxantrone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Mitoxantrone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: As well as killing cancer cells, Mitoxantrone can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Avoid contact with people with contagious infections and tell your doctor if you begin to notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills.
Liver function: Mitoxantrone may cause decreased liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems (itchy rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, vomiting, upper right abdominal pain), contact your doctor as soon as possible. People with reduced liver function or liver disease should discuss with their doctor how Mitoxantrone may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Mitoxantrone, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Secondary leukemia: There is some evidence to suggest that people who receive treatment with mitoxantrone are at an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Pregnancy: There is a possibility of birth defect if either the man or the woman is using mitoxantrone at the time of conception, or if it is taken during pregnancy. Effective birth control should be practiced while using Mitoxantrone. Mitoxantrone may harm the baby if used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Mitoxantrone, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Mitoxantrone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking mitoxantrone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
