Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: mitotane, oral; Lysodren
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat cancer of the adrenal gland that can’t be treated with surgery. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken with other medicines.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during the treatment. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take the medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Depending on how the medicine affects you, your healthcare provider may change the dosage from time to time. For this reason, your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly. Keep all your appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness, dizziness.
This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it.
If you have any type of infection, serious injury, need emergency care, you may need to stop taking this medicine for a short time. Check with your healthcare provider right away if you get an injury or illness of any kind.
Carry some form of identification that states that you are taking mitotane. If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision, or dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly. You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help. Also, drinking alcohol may make it worse. Do not drink alcohol unless your healthcare provider approves.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Blurred vision, dizziness or lightheadedness when you get up from sitting or lying down, fever, blood in the urine, depression, rash.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, rash, darkening of the skin, flushing of face, drowsiness.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
