progressive MS. Patients treated with NOVANTRONE may have fewer relapses and keep their mobility longer.
Who should not take NOVANTRONE?
Women who are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not take NOVANTRONE because it may harm the baby. You should use birth control while taking NOVANTRONE to avoid becoming pregnant. Your doctor should also give you a pregnancy test before each dose, and you should know the results of this test before you get each dose of NOVANTRONE. If you plan on getting pregnant, talk with your doctor about stopping the NOVANTRONE treatments. If you do become pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
You should not take NOVANTRONE if your doctor finds you have a low number of white blood cells (leukocytes).
You should not take NOVANTRONE if your doctor finds your heart’s ability to pump blood is decreased.
If you are allergic to NOVANTRONE, you should not take it. The active ingredient is mitoxantrone. Ask your doctor about the inactive ingredients.
Your doctor needs to know the following information about you to help decide if NOVANTRONE is right for you. Tell your doctor if you have now or had in the past:
heart disease
treatment with NOVANTRONE
cancer chemotherapy treatment
radiation treatment to the chest area
blood-clotting problems
anemia or low red blood cell counts
low white blood cell counts
unusual or unexpected bleeding
infections
liver disease or problems
any known allergies or sensitivities
Also tell your doctor if you take other medicines, including nonprescription medicines and nutritional supplements.
How do I take NOVANTRONE?
NOVANTRONE is given through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. The dose takes about 5 to 15 minutes to deliver. NOVANTRONE treatment is usually given once every 3 months for about 2 to 3 years (8 to 12 doses). However, this may differ for different patients.
What diagnostic tests will be performed?
You will need to have regular testing of your heart and blood to help avoid serious side effects.
Before each dose of NOVANTRONE, your doctor will take blood samples to check your blood counts and liver function. Your doctor may also take a blood sample if you begin to have signs of an infection. If you are a woman who is capable of becoming pregnant, even if you are using birth control, you must have a pregnancy test before each NOVANTRONE dose, and you should know the results before you receive each NOVANTRONE dose.
To measure possible changes to the heart, you should have regular electrocardiograms (ECGs) and you should have regular testing of your heart’s ability to pump blood. Measuring your heart’s ability to pump blood requires taking pictures of your heart using a simple, painless test such as an echocardiogram. Your heart should be tested before each dose of NOVANTRONE, or if you show signs of heart problems.
You and your doctor should carefully track the total amount of NOVANTRONE you get. Your doctor may stop NOVANTRONE if your tests show that your heart’s ability to pump blood has decreased. If you change doctors, make sure your new doctor knows how much NOVANTRONE you have taken.
What should I avoid while taking NOVANTRONE?
Women should not become pregnant or breastfeed while taking NOVANTRONE because it may harm the baby. Talk with your doctor about effective birth control.&nbs |
