mitotane

Generic Name: mitotane
Other Brand Names: Lysodren

What is mitotane?

Mitotane is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Mitotane interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Mitotane is used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland (adrenal cortical carcinoma).

Mitotane may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mitotane?

Before taking mitotane, tell your doctor if you:

  • have any other serious illness or injury; or

  • liver disease.

You may not be able to take mitotane, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Mitotane is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether mitotane will harm an unborn baby. Do not take mitotane without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is unknown whether mitotane passes into breast milk. Do not take mitotane without first talking to your doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.

How should I take mitotane?

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Mitotane should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with mitotane depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with mitotane to monitor progress and side effects.

Store mitotane at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this product out of the reach of children.

What happens if I miss a dose of mitotane?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of mitotane.

Where can I get more information about mitotane?
Your pharmacist has information about mitotane written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of mitotane?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

  • fever;

  • blurred or double vision; or

  • blood in the urine.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience

  • dizziness;

  • generalized aching ;

  • fatigue or drowsiness;

  • skin rash;

  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or

  • loss of appetite;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about mitotane?

Mitotane should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Mitotane can lower the ability of the body to respond to injury, illness, and other forms of stress. Notify your doctor if you sustain an injury, become ill, or are under a significant amount of stress so that treatment can be started if necessary.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Mitotane may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

What should I avoid while taking mitotane?

Mitotane can lower the ability of the body to respond to injury, illness, and other forms of stress. Notify your doctor if you sustain an injury, become ill, or are under a significant amount of stress so that treatment can be started if necessary.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Mitotane may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

What other drugs will affect mitotane?

Before taking mitotane, tell your doctor if you are taking

  • warfarin (Coumadin) or another blood thinner; or

  • spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking one of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with mitotane. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products, during treatment with mitotane.

What happens if I have an overdose of mitotane?

If an overdose of mitotane is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a mitotane overdose may be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008