Novantrone (Mitoxantrone) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

Mitoxantrone is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce neurological disability and the frequency of relapses in people with secondary progressive, progressive relapsing, or worsening relapsing-remitting forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Mitoxantrone was formerly sold under the brand name Novantrone. Mitoxantrone is an immunomodulator, or drug that modulates the immune system. Mitoxantrone is also considered an antineoplastic drug. Mitoxantrone is believed to work by suppressing the activity of immune system cells involved in multiple sclerosis attacks.

How do I take it?

Prescribing information states that Mitoxantrone should be administered once every three months as an intravenous infusion. Mitoxantrone comes in a multiuse vial.

Side effects

The FDA-approved label for Mitoxantrone lists common side effects including headache, tiredness, depression, hair loss, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach pain, changes in the menstrual cycle, and temporary blue-green discoloration of the urine or whites of the eyes. Rare but serious side effects listed for Mitoxantrone can include changes in cardiac function.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Novantrone – RxList