Mitotane is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. 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.
Mitotane is used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland (adrenal cortical carcinoma).
Mitotane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the available dosage forms and strengths?
Tablet
How should you take Mitotane (Lysodren)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
You may receive your first few doses of mitotane in a hospital setting where you can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.
Mitotane comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three to four times a day. Take mitotane at around the same times every day. The pill should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew or break. Mitotane should be taken with meals containing fat-rich foods such as milk, chocolate and oil.
Always wear rubber gloves when handling mitotane tablets. Do not crush or break a tablet and do not use a broken pill. The medicine from a crushed or broken pill can be dangerous if it gets on your skin. If this occurs, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to safely handle and dispose of a broken tablet.
You may need to take steroid medication along with mitotane, especially if you have a serious injury or medical emergency. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
You may need to stop taking mitotane for a short time if you have a serious injury or medical emergency. Your doctor will determine when you can start taking this medicine again.
While using mitotane, you may need frequent medical tests. Your nerve and muscle function may also need to be checked. You may not notice any change in your symptoms, but your blood work will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with mitotane.
You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking mitotane.
If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention.
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Who should not take Mitotane (Lysodren)?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to mitotane.
Do not use mitotane if you are pregnant. This medicine could harm the unborn baby or cause miscarriage or premature birth. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using mitotane. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.
Do not use mitotane with medicines containing spironolactone.
What to avoid while taking Mitotane (Lysodren)?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
This medicine can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit). Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Mitotane (Lysodren)?
To make sure mitotane is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
recent infection, surgery, or trauma;
liver disease; or
if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven).
Mitotane can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using mitotane. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.
What are the possible side effects of Mitotane (Lysodren)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
blurred or double vision;
confusion, problems with speech, balance, or walking;
unusual or rapid weight loss;
change in skin colour;
blood urine;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding;
easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums); or
any bleeding that will not stop.
Common side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
diarrhea;
drowsiness;
depressed mood, weakness, lack of energy;
dizziness, spinning sensation; or
mild skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What other drugs interact with Mitotane (Lysodren)?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially other medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots, such as:
anti-epileptics,
rifabutin,
rifampicin,
griseofulvin,
St. John’s wort,
sunitinib,
spironolactone,
itraconzole,
nimodipine,
ranolazine,
rivaroxaban,
tofacitinib,
aripiprazole,
corticosteroids,
linagliptin,
quetiapine,
anticoagulants.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, recreational and herbal products.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention
Where can I get more information about Mitotane (Lysodren)?
If you have any questions about buying discount Mitotane (Lysodren) or any other prescription products online, you can contact us.
