Mitotane (By mouth)

MYE-toe-tane

Treats cancer of the adrenal glands (adrenal cortical carcinoma).

Drug classes

Adrenocortical Suppressant, Steroid Synthesis Inhibitor (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Mitotane is used to treat some types of cancer in the adrenal glands. This medicine acts on a part of the body called the adrenal cortex. Mitotane reduces the amount of steroids (cortisone-like hormones) that are produced by the adrenal cortex. These hormones are important for various functions of the body, including growth. However, too much of these hormones can cause problems.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Tablet

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. If contact with broken or crushed tablets occurs, wash your hands immediately.

If a dose is missed:

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mitotane.

Warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.

Your doctor may want you to carry an identification card or wear a bracelet stating that you are taking this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you get a serious injury, infection, or illness of any kind. This medicine may weaken your body’s defenses against infection or inflammation.

Adrenal insufficiency may develop in patients using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have more than one of the following symptoms: darkening of the skin; diarrhea; dizziness; fainting; loss of appetite; mental depression; nausea; skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; or vomiting.

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

This medicine may cause some people to have changes in their behavior or memory, or to become depressed. This usually occurs in people who take this medicine for more than 2 years. If you or your caregiver notice any changes in behavior while you are taking this medicine, talk to your doctor right away.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blood in your urine, problems with urinating.

Changes in skin color, dark freckles.

Cold feeling, weakness, tiredness, nausea, or vomiting.

Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.

Fever, chills, and body aches.

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

Problems with vision.

Weight loss.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Depression.

Diarrhea, loss of appetite, indigestion, or stomach pain.

Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings.

Mild skin rash.

Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.

Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Lysodren

There may be other brand names for this medicine.