Mitoxantrone

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Mitoxantrone, a DNA-reactive agent that intercalates into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) through hydrogen bonding, causes crosslinks and strand breaks. Mitoxantrone also interferes with ribonucleic acid (RNA) and is a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase II, an enzyme responsible for uncoiling and repairing damaged DNA. It has a cytocidal effect on both proliferating and nonproliferating cultured human cells, suggesting lack of cell cycle phase specificity. Mitoxantrone injection has been shown in vitro to inhibit B cell, T cell, and macrophage proliferation and impair antigen presentation, as well as the secretion of interferon gamma, TNFα, and IL-2.

Indications

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Mitoxantrone injection, USP (concentrate) is indicated for reducing neurologic disability and/or the frequency of clinical relapses in patients with secondary (chronic) progressive, progressive relapsing, or worsening relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (i.e., patients whose neurologic status is significantly abnormal between relapses). Mitoxantrone injection, USP (concentrate) is not indicated in the treatment of patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. The clinical patterns of multiple sclerosis in the studies were characterized as follows: secondary progressive and progressive relapsing disease were characterized by gradual increasing disability with or without superimposed clinical relapses, and worsening relapsing-remitting disease was characterized by clinical relapses resulting in a step-wise worsening of disability. Mitoxantrone injection, USP (concentrate) in combination with corticosteroids is indicated as initial chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with pain related to advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Dosage and administration (summary)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (See also WARNINGS .) Multiple Sclerosis The recommended dosage of mitoxantrone injection (concentrate) is 12 mg/m 2 given as a short (approximately 5 to 15 minutes) intravenous infusion every 3 months. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) should be evaluated by echocardiogram or MUGA prior to administration of the initial dose of mitoxantrone injection (concentrate) and all subsequent doses. In addition, LVEF evaluations are recommended if signs or symptoms of congestive heart failure develop at any time during treatment with mitoxantrone injection (concentrate).

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Mitoxantrone injection (concentrate) is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated prior hypersensitivity to it.

Warnings and precautions

WARNINGS WHEN MITOXANTRONE INJECTION IS USED IN HIGH DOSES (> 14 mg/m 2 /d × 3 days) SUCH AS INDICATED FOR THE TREATMENT OF LEUKEMIA, SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION WILL OCCUR. THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT MITOXANTRONE INJECTION BE ADMINISTERED ONLY BY PHYSICIANS EXPERIENCED IN THE CHEMOTHERAPY OF THIS DISEASE. LABORATORY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR HEMATOLOGIC AND CHEMISTRY MONITORING AND ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES, INCLUDING ANTIBIOTICS. BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS MUST BE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT PATIENTS DURING THE EXPECTED PERIOD OF MEDULLARY HYPOPLASIA AND SEVERE MYELOSUPPRESSION.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Mitoxantrone injection may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant. Mitoxantrone is considered a potential human teratogen because of its mechanism of action and the developmental effects demonstrated by related agents.

Storage and supply

Mitoxantrone injection, USP (concentrate) should be stored at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). DO NOT FREEZE. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex. Additional Medication Guides are available at http://www.meithealpharma.com or call 1-844-824-8426.

Source: Mitoxantrone (Mitoxantrone) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-04-24, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.