Skip to main content
search here
username password
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more| .
How we produce our information|
Mitoxantrone (sometimes spelt mitozantrone) is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used to treat breast cancer|, 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 specialists|.
Mitoxantrone is a dark blue fluid.
Mitoxantrone may be given:
Chemotherapy is usually given as a course of several sessions (or cycles) of treatment over a few months. The length of your treatment and the number of cycles you have will depend on the type of cancer for which you are being treated. Your nurse or doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
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 side effects as well as rarer ones, 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, chemotherapy nurse or pharmacist.
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:
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.
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 symptoms 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 quite normal and due to the colour of the drug.
Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin from the time the treatment is given and last for about a day. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting|. If the sickness isn't controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation. Let your doctor or nurse know if this is a problem.
Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired|. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.
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. This is temporary and your hair will regrow once the treatment is finished. Your nurse can give you advice about coping with hair loss|.
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.
Injection site 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.
Risk of blood clots Cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having chemotherapy may increase this risk further. A blood clot may cause symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, or breathlessness and chest pain. Blood clots can be very serious so it is important to tell your doctor straightaway if you have any of these symptoms. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Other medicines Some medicines can be harmful to take when you are having chemotherapy (including those you can buy in a shop or chemist). 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.
This section has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For further references, please see general bibliography|.
Posted by Dianne J
Posted by lesley22
Posted by bob jk
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.
Browser does not support script.