Mitoxantrone

The Basics

What is Mitoxantrone?

Used with other medications to treat certain types of leukemia.

Brand names for Mitoxantrone

Novantrone

How Mitoxantrone is classified

Antineoplastic Agents

Mitoxantrone During Pregnancy

Mitoxantrone pregnancy category

Category DNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Mitoxantrone while pregnant

Mitoxantrone is considered a potential human teratogen because of its mechanism ofaction and the developmental effects demonstrated by related agents. Treatment ofpregnant rats during the organogenesis period of gestation was associated with fetal growth retardation at doses > 0.1 mg/kg/day (0.01 times the recommended human doseon a mg/m2 basis). When pregnant rabbits were treated during organogenesis, anincreased incidence of premature delivery was observed at doses > 0.1 mg/kg/day (0.01times the recommended human dose on a mg/m2 basis). No teratogenic effects wereobserved in these studies, but the maximum doses tested were well below therecommended human dose (0.02 and 0.05 times in rats and rabbits, respectively, on amg/m2 basis). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.Women with multiple sclerosis who are biologically capable of becoming pregnantshould have a pregnancy test prior to each dose, and the results should be known prior toadministration of the drug.

Taking Mitoxantrone While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Mitoxantrone?

Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, such as mitoxantrone.[1][2] It might be possible to breastfeed safely during intermittent therapy with an appropriate period of breastfeeding abstinence, but the duration of abstinence is not clear. In one patient, mitoxantrone was still detectable in milk 28 days after a dose of 6 mg per square meter. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[3] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[4]

Maternal / infant drug levels

Most sources consider breastfeeding to be contraindicated during maternal antineoplastic drug therapy, such as mitoxantrone.[1][2] It might be possible to breastfeed safely during intermittent therapy with an appropriate period of breastfeeding abstinence, but the duration of abstinence is not clear. In one patient, mitoxantrone was still detectable in milk 28 days after a dose of 6 mg per square meter. Chemotherapy may adversely affect the normal microbiome and chemical makeup of breastmilk.[3] Women who receive chemotherapy during pregnancy are more likely to have difficulty nursing their infant.[4]

Possible effects of Mitoxantrone on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Mitoxantrone

(Multiple Sclerosis) Glatiramer, Immune Globulin, Interferon Beta.