Uses
Mitotane is used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland that can not be treated with surgery. Mitotane is in a class of medications called antineoplastic agents. It works by slowing growth or reducing the size of the tumor.
Side Effects Of Mitotane
Mitotane may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- depression
- lack of energy
- unusual drowsiness
- feeling that the room is spinning
- changes in vision
- rash or changes in skin color
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- abdominal or side pain
- confusion
- fast heartbeat
- high fever or shaking chills
- excessive sweating
- Mitotane may cause brain or nervous system damage when taken at high doses for longer than 2 years. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Mitotane may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking mitotane:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mitotane, or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants (‘mood elevators’); medications for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers; and spironolactone (Aldactone). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with mitotane, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking it, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking mitotane.
- you should know that it may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Dosage Of Mitotane
Mitotane comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three to four times a day. Take mitotane at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take mitotane exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You will probably be hospitalized when you begin your treatment with mitotane. Your doctor will start you on a low dose of mitotane and gradually increase your dose.
Continue to take mitotane even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mitotane without talking to your doctor.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to mitotane.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking mitotane.
Wear or carry medical identification stating that you take mitotane to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
