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|Novantrone

Novantrone

Novantrone is used for:

Reducing disability and the number of relapses in patients with progressive or worsening multiple sclerosis , treating pain related to advanced prostate cancer in combination with steroids, and treating acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in adults. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Novantrone is an antineoplastic agent. How it works is not fully understood. It is thought to interfere with cell reproduction and growth, which helps reduce the number of cancer cells in the body.

Do NOT use Novantrone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Novantrone
• you have multiple sclerosis along with certain heart problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Novantrone :

Some medical conditions may interact with Novantrone . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have chickenpox, herpes, bone marrow depression, liver problems, heart problems, or gout
• if you have previously received chemotherapy or have received radiation therapy in the chest area

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Novantrone . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cyclosporine because the risk of Novantrone "s side effects may be increased
• Digoxin or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Novantrone

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Novantrone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Novantrone :

Use Novantrone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Novantrone is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Novantrone at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Novantrone contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Novantrone , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Novantrone .

Important safety information:

• Novantrone will turn your urine a blue-green color. It may also cause the whites of your eyes to turn a bluish color. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
• Novantrone may lower your body"s ability to fight infection. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rashes, or chills.
• Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Novantrone . Vaccinations may be less effective.
• Novantrone may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, liver function tests, blood chemistry, pregnancy tests, uric acid levels, and heart function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Novantrone is not recommended for use in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Novantrone has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Novantrone during pregnancy. It is unknown if Novantrone is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Novantrone .

Possible side effects of Novantrone :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abnormal urine; anxiety; back pain; blurred vision; constipation; cough; depression; diarrhea; general body discomfort; hair loss; indigestion; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); inflammation of the mucous membranes; inflammation or sores of the mouth; loss of appetite; menstrual disorder; nail bed changes; nausea; pain; runny nose; shortness of breath; sinus inflammation; skin infection; stomach pain; sudden weight gain; swelling of the hands or feet; tiredness; unusual bruising or bleeding; upper respiratory tract infection; urinary tract infection; vomiting; weakness; weight gain; weight loss.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; decreased ability to fight infection; decreased heart function; fever, chills, or sore throat; irregular heartbeat; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; secondary cancer; shortness of breath; sudden weight gain; swelling of hands or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; weakness with activity.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Novantrone is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Novantrone at home, store Novantrone as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Novantrone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Novantrone , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Novantrone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Novantrone . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.