GENERIC NAME: MITOTANE - ORAL (MY-toe-tain)
BRAND NAME(S): Lysodren
Warning | Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Mitotane causes your body to decrease its ability to quickly respond to stress (shock, severe injury, or infection). Mitotane may need to be stopped if you experience an injury, infection, or other stressful situation. Your doctor may prescribe another medication (corticosteroid) in a situation where mitotane must be stopped. You will be closely monitored while you are using this medication. Notify your doctor if you experience unusual weakness, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of an infection (e.g., persistent sore throat or fever).
USES: This medication is used to treat cancer of the adrenal glands.
OTHER USES: This drug may also be used for other adrenal problems (e.g., Cushing's syndrome).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed, generally 3 or 4 times daily. Follow instructions carefully, as the dosage will be adjusted based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Generally, natural replacement corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) are used every day with this drug to lessen the chance of side effects. It may take up to several months to receive the full benefit from this drug. Learn proper technique for safe handling and disposal of this medicine and its container. Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, muscle aches, twitching or unusual weakness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: skin rash, unusual, rapid weight loss, pink urine, darkening patches of skin. Unlikely but report: fever, breast tenderness (males), mental or mood changes, vision problems, trouble breathing. Very unlikely but report: itching/swelling, unsteadiness, tingling of the hands or feet. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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