Hi Mike! I have been on the Novantrone therapy. I have had two infusions and no side effects. My neurologist suggested it and even though I had chemo several years ago for cervical cancer, it was determined it was OK for me to take. After an infusion, in two weeks, they check my blood and make sure everything is OK. I only get an infusion every three months. They don't give it more often than that, with a final cap of two or three years. I feel if it will slow the progression of MS, I'm OK with it. Hope this helps some.

Hi Mike, I took Novantrone about 6 years ago until I max out my doses. It was the best I have ever done. Once every three months, I did have some allergic reactions which they pre treated me for with benadryl and solumedrol. But I will say that if I could sign a release I would take it again in a heartbeat. I had just started into SPMS and was losing ground daily. While I was on it I would plan the day of and the day after to rest and the rest of the time between I felt better. I never took my provigil and I was able to take less of my other drugs too. I took Avonex when I was on it but it was the best treatment I ever took. I was the first in my area to get it and I have nothing but good feelings about its effects on my MS. It stopped my progression almost completely while I took it. Anyway thats my experience. Robin

Mike, I did three infusions of Novantrone. Before the fourth, I had an echo done, and my left ventricular ejection fraction was severely reduced. So I stopped. That said, I do not regret trying this, and I would do it again. I'd just be sure, since I did experience heart-function decline, to get an echo or a MUGA every time.

My heart function is back to nearly baseline now, and it never went below normal, anyway. I had zero symptomatic progression on Novantrone (I have SPMS), and no new lesions. I was off any treatment for months afterward and still was doing great.

It's way expensive, especially with getting the heart tests, but it's manageble with insurance.

Hey Mike
because there are many who have discussed Novantrone in previous posts...put Novantrone in the search box...then click on discussions (across the top)...and youll see ALL the discussions related to it.
Hope this helps
Dr O.

Mike: It is true the biggest risk is to the heart that is why there is a cap on number of treatments. The protocol here was a heart muga scan before each treatment and blood work. I was so lucky and I had no ill effects on my heart that is why I was able to take the max dose. Good Luck RobinS

Hello Mike...I have only had one treatment so far, and I have had NO side affects. What's really funny is that I was told to avoid people who were sick for about two weeks, and everyone around me was falling down sick around me. I was the one healthy!!! I have to honestly tell you that since that first treatment, I have noticed a significant difference in my mood. Before the treatment, my moods were through the roof. Once the Novantrone was infused and cooled the fires within my body, I have started to be "ME" again. It has been nice to be reintroduced to the Sirena I remember. My MS specialist is planning another treatment depending on my next MRI results in May.
I was leery of the treatment at first too, but I am very glad I have decided to give it as try. The benefits have definitely been worth it.

Novantrone - i remember it. Every 3 months for 2 years. This stuff you don't mess with. Every drop was accounted for. Your body can take a limited amount then you're cut off. Heart and liver are monitored regularly, MUGAscans and blood tests are regular. They don't want to miss any possibility. That told me it was serious IV. Make sure you take anti-nausea meds as directed by your doctor. These chems made a difference. I was advanced RR at the time. Emotions and state-of-mind were notably effected.