mitotane

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trade name: Lysodren; drug class: antineoplastic; action: acts on adrenal cortex to suppress activity and adrenal steroid production; use: adrenocortical carcinoma.

Brand names: Lysodren®

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Mitotane tablets (below)
• Mitotane Oral tablet

Español:
• Tabletas de mitotano
• Mitotano, Tableta oral

Mitotane tablets

What are mitotane tablets?

MITOTANE (Lysodren®) treats an overactive adrenal gland or certain cancers that affect the adrenal gland. Treatment with mitotane reduces the amount of hormones called "adrenocorticoids." Your body needs these hormones for things like growth, sexual development, and reproduction. Too much or too little of these hormones, however, can cause serious problems. Generic mitotane tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• liver disease
• infection
• nervous system disease
• serious injury
• shock
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mitotane, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take mitotane tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

What drug(s) may interact with mitotane?

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• cyclophosphamide
• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone
• live virus vaccines
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain
• phenytoin
• spironolactone
• warfarin

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking mitotane?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

Many nonprescription medicines contain ingredients that increase the side effects of mitotane. Be sure to check with your prescriber or health care professional before taking any other medicines.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how mitotane affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy, increase confusion and lightheadedness. Avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking mitotane.

While you are taking mitotane your body will be less able to fight infection and inflammation. Let your prescriber or health care professional know as soon as you can if you get an injury, infection or any illness. Try to avoid people with colds, flu, and bronchitis. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber's approval and avoid anyone who has recently had oral polio vaccine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking mitotane.

What side effects may I notice from taking mitotane?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• diarrhea
• blood in urine
• blurred vision
• dizziness or drowsiness
• fever and chills
• mental depression, confusion or irritability
• skin rash
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• flushing of skin
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• tremor

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.