Lysodren

1 What is Lysodren?

Brand: Lysodren

Generic: Mitotane

Lysodren is used in the treatment of adrenal cortex cancers which cannot be removed by surgery.

Mitotane is an adrenal cytotoxic agent works by reducing the amount of steroid (cortisol, a hormone) production from adrenal gland.

It is available in the form of tablet only with your doctor’s prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

If you are about to start Lyrica, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about conditions such as,

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

There are no adequate studies done which proves Mitotane harmful effects in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, elderly patient with liver, kidney and heart problem may require adjustment of dosage.

Pregnancy

It is a category D drug. It is not safe to use in pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby and can result in the loss of an unborn baby.

Breast Feeding

Mitotane is not known if it can pass into breast milk or not. Do not use this medication while nursing your child.

Drug Interactions

Mitotane may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Some of them are listed below,

  • Atazanavir
  • Dasabuvir
  • Delamanid
  • Isavuconazonium Sulfate
  • Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
  • Anticoagulants (Warfarin) as their effectiveness may be decreased by Mitotane.

Other Medical Problem 

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness. Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as,

  • Liver diseases
  • Injury
  • Shock
  • Trauma
  • If you will have any surgery.

3 Proper Usage

To use Lyrica properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Use it exactly as your doctor directed. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.

Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, chew or break it. Do not take it if it is deformed or leaking. Do not miss any dose.

Be sure you know how to properly handle and dispose Mitotane. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Dosage

It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s instructions.

For oral dosage forms

Adults

Total dose of 2 to 6 grams per day divided into 3 or 4 times a day.

Dose of children is determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Doubling the dose is harmful.

Storage

Store it at room temperature.

Keep it away from children.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Lyrica, there are some precautions you must take.

Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. He may do a blood and urine test.

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that are CNS depressants (sedatives, tranquilizers, barbiturates, antihistamines, muscle relaxants or anesthetics) while taking Mitotane. It will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.

Mitotane may cause

  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • blurred vision,
  • light-headedness.

These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Mitotane with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any behavioral changes in you such as

  • restlessness,
  • agitation,
  • depressed moods
  • panic attacks.

It usually occurs in patients who use Mitotane for more than 2 years.

It may cause adrenal insufficiency.

Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any 2 of the following symptoms such as

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Mitotane before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

5 Potential Side Effects

If you notice any side effects of Lyrica, immediately make an appointment with your doctor.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects. Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent.

Most common are,

Less common are,

  • Blood in the urine
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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