Mitotane

Mitotane is used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland that can not be treated with surgery. Mitotane is in a class of medications called antineoplastic agents. It works by slowing growth or reducing the size of the tumor.

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. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take mitotane exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You will probably be hospitalized when you begin your treatment with mitotane. Your doctor will start you on a low dose of mitotane and gradually increase your dose. Continue to take mitotane even if you feel well. Do not stop taking mitotane without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Mitotane may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
nausea</li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
depression</li>
<li>
lack of energy</li>
<li>
unusual drowsiness</li>
<li>
feeling that the room is spinning</li>
<li>
changes in vision</li>
<li>
rash or changes in skin color</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
abdominal or side pain </li>
<li>
confusion</li>
<li>
fast heartbeat</li>
<li>
high fever or shaking chills</li>
<li>
excessive sweating</li></ul>Mitotane may cause brain or nervous system damage when taken at high doses for longer than 2 years. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.Mitotane may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking mitotane, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to mitotane, or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants ('mood elevators'); medications for anxiety, mental illness, or seizures; sedatives, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers; and spironolactone (Aldactone). Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Many other medications may also interact with mitotane, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking mitotane. you should know that mitotane may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.