$Unique_ID{BRK03243}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{mitotane}
$Subject{Lysodren Bristol Antineoplastic anticancer drug mitotane cancer
adrenal gland Cushing syndrome overactive adrenal gland suppresses}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


mitotane
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Lysodren (Bristol)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Antineoplastic (anticancer drug)

INGREDIENT

     mitotane

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (500 mg)

STORAGE

     Mitotane should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     This medication is used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland and
Cushing's syndrome (overactive adrenal gland) in patients on whom surgery
cannot be performed.  Mitotane directly suppresses the activity of the adrenal
gland.

TREATMENT

     Initial therapy with mitotane often occurs in the hospital until the
dosage is stabilized.  Mitotane is potent medication.  The dosage is usually
adjusted to an individual's needs and tolerance.  Be sure you understand your
doctor's instructions on how this medication should be taken.
     Mitotane tablets can be taken either on an empty stomach or, to reduce
stomach irritation, with food or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     Try not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss a dose,
take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the
next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
However, it is important to continue taking this medication despite the nausea
and vomiting that may occur.
     Mitotane can also cause hair loss (which is reversible when the
medication is discontinued).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, depression, difficult or painful urination, fainting,
flushing, lethargy, muscle aches, or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Mitotane interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Concurrent use of it with central nervous system depressants (such as
alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers, and
sleeping medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme
drowsiness.
     2. Mitotane can decrease the effectiveness of adrenocorticosteroids
(cortisonelike medications).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any
medications, especially to mitotane.
     Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had chronic infections or liver disease.
     If this medication makes you dizzy, drowsy, or tired or blurs your
vision, avoid any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous machinery.
     Do not stop taking this medication unless you first check with your
doctor.  The effects of mitotane on the adrenal glands last several weeks
after the drug is stopped.
     Mitotane can impair your body's response to injury, stress, illness, and
infection.  If you experience injury, stress, illness, or infection while
taking this medication, or shortly after you stop taking it (within several
weeks), check with your doctor.  You may need to take supplemental adrenal
hormone during this period.
     Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies of
mitotane in pregnant women have not been conducted.  The risks should be
discussed with your doctor.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding
an infant.  It is not known whether mitotane passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.