What is Mitotane?
The treatment for carcinoma in the adrenal gland is mitotane (cortical adrenal carcinoma).
This medication guide does not list all possible uses of mitotane.
Side effects of Mitotane
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Mitotane may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Confidence is a problem with balance or speech.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding
- Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums);
- Any bleeding won't stop.
Mitotane side effects may include:
- Nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite
- diarrhea;
- Depressed mood
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing their hotline: 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Lysodren
Warnings
If you suffer a severe injury or have an emergency, your doctor may prescribe steroid medication or ask that you stop using mitotane temporarily. When you are able to take mitotane, your doctor will decide. Consult your doctor before changing your medication or dose schedule.
While taking mitotane, you must be under the supervision of a physician.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever:
- Recent infections or surgeries;
- Liver Disease
- Are You Taking Warfarin Coumadin Jantoven for Blood Thinner Treatments
Avoid using mitotane while pregnant. This medication could cause harm to the baby, miscarriage, or premature birth. While using mitotane, use birth control.
You should not breastfeed if you are taking this medication.
Your blood can still contain mitotane after stopping treatment.
How to take Mitotane?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Take your medication exactly as instructed.
It is possible that you will need to undergo frequent medical testing. Tests can be used to determine the effectiveness of mitotane, even if there are no symptoms.
If you suffer a severe injury or a medical emergency, your doctor may prescribe steroid medication or ask that you stop using mitotane temporarily. When you are able to take this medication again will be determined by your doctor. Consult your doctor before changing your medication or dose schedule.
While taking mitotane, you must be under the supervision of a physician.
Keep mitotane away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
You can ask your pharmacist for advice on how to handle mitotane tablets safely. Wear latex gloves if you are handling the medicine. You should not use broken tablets.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma:
Orally, take 2–6 g in three to four divided doses daily; gradually increase the dose to reach a concentration of blood between 14 and 20 mg/L or tolerable levels.
Comments:
Start this medication in the hospital and continue until you reach a dosage that is stable.
Data suggest that the most effective approach is to continue treatment at the highest possible dose. Patients who are treated intermittently, i.e., restarting therapy when symptoms of severe severity reappear, often don't respond by the end of the third or even fourth course.
Adrenal cortical cancers that are inoperable or functional.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take more than one dose at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for help immediately should a poison happen and seek immediate medical attention by dialing the Poison Help Line: 1-800-222-1222, or seek urgent medical assistance immediately.
What should be avoided?
You should avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of the effects that mitotane has on you. You may be unable to react properly.
Be careful to avoid activities that may cause injury or bleeding. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or cleaning your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain drugs at the same time. Some medications can cause side effects that increase or decrease the effectiveness of another drug you are taking.
Mitotane can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
