What is this medication for?
Mitotane belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. It is used for the treatment of certain kinds of cancer that affect the adrenal cortex (the part of the body responsible for making steroid hormones like cortisol). Mitotane reduces the amount of adrenocorticoid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, thus starving cancer cells that need these hormones for survival.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Lysodren® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of mitotane depends on response to the medication and the amount of medication that can be tolerated. Usually the starting dose is 2 g to 6 g of mitotane daily in 3 or 4 equally divided doses, with or without food. Your doctor may increase the dose to 9 g to 10 g of mitotane daily, depending on response, or until adverse effects appear. Usually this medication is started in the hospital until a stable dose is reached.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.