MITOTANE (Systemic)
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
In Canada?
Category
- Antiadrenal
- Antineoplastic
Description
Mitotane (MYE-toe-tane)is a medicine that acts on a part of the body called the adrenal cortex. Itis used to treat some kinds of cancer that affect the adrenal cortex. Also,it is sometimes used when the adrenal cortex is overactive without being cancerous.
Mitotane reduces the amounts of adrenocorticoids (cortisone-like hormones)produced by the adrenal cortex. These steroids are important for various functionsof the body, including growth. However, too much of these steroids can causeproblems.
Mitotane is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the followingdosage form:
Oral- Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine,the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it willdo. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For mitotane, the followingshould be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to mitotane. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substance, such as foods, preservatives, ordyes.
Pregnancy?Mitotane has not been shown to cause problems inhumans.
Breast-feeding?Although it is not known whether mitotane passesinto the breast milk, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursingbabies.
Children?Although there is no specific information about theuse of mitotane in children, it is not expected to cause different side effectsor problems in children than it does in adults.
Older adults?Many medicines have not been tested in older people.Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way theydo in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems inolder people. There is no specific information about the use of mitotane inthe elderly.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingmitotane, it is especially important that your health care professional knowif you are taking any of the following:
- Central nervous system (CNS) depressants?CNS depressant effectsmay be increased
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of mitotane. Make sure you tell your doctor ifyou have any other medical problems, especially:
- Liver disease?Effects may be increased because of slower removalof mitotane from the body
Proper Use of This Medicine
Take mitotane only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more orless of it, and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checkingwith your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of unwanted effects.
Dosing?The dose of mitotane will be different fordifferent patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things,including what the medicine is being used for and whether or not other medicinesare also being taken. If you are taking mitotane at home,follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. If youhave any questions about the proper dose of mitotane, ask your doctor.
Missed dose?If you miss a dose of this medicine, take the misseddose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the nextdose, skip the missed dose and do not double the next one. Instead, go backto your regular dosing schedule and check with your doctor.
Storage?To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in otherdamp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be surethat any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It is very important that your doctor check your progress atregular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and tocheck for unwanted effects.
Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card stating that youare taking this medicine.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants(medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness).Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever,other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine;prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures;tricyclic antidepressants (medicine for depression); muscle relaxants; oranesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Checkwith your doctor before taking any of the above while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, or less alertthan they are normally. Make sure you know how you reactto this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else thatcould be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.
Check with your doctor right away if you get an injury,infection, or illness of any kind. This medicine may weaken your body'sdefenses against infection or inflammation.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:
Other sideeffects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effectsmay go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However,check with your health care professional if any of the following side effectscontinue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. Ifyou notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 10/29/2003
