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Lysodren (Mitotane) - Warnings and Precautions

 
 



WARNINGS

LYSODREN (mitotane tablets, USP) should be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the uses of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. LYSODREN should be temporarily discontinued immediately following shock or severe trauma since adrenal suppression is its prime action. Exogenous steroids should be administered in such circumstances, since the depressed adrenal may not immediately start to secrete steroids.

 

WARNINGS

LYSODREN should be temporarily discontinued immediately following shock or severe trauma, since adrenal suppression is its prime action. Exogenous steroids should be administered in such circumstances, since the depressed adrenal may not immediately start to secrete steroids.

LYSODREN should be administered with care to patients with liver disease other than metastatic lesions from the adrenal cortex, since the metabolism of LYSODREN may be interfered with and the drug may accumulate.

All possible tumor tissues should be surgically removed from large metastatic masses before LYSODREN administration is instituted. This is necessary to minimize the possibility of infarction and hemorrhage in the tumor due to a rapid cytotoxic effect of the drug.

Long-term continuous administration of high doses of LYSODREN may lead to brain damage and impairment of function. Behavioral and neurological assessments should be made at regular intervals, since toxicity may be reversible after discontinuation of LYSODREN. Literature reports suggest that mitotane plasma concentrations exceeding 20 mcg/mL are associated with a greater incidence of high grade central nervous system toxicity.

A substantial percentage of the patients treated show signs of adrenal insufficiency. It therefore appears necessary to watch for and institute steroid replacement in those patients. However, some investigators have recommended that steroid replacement therapy be administered concomitantly with LYSODREN. It has been shown that the metabolism of exogenous steroids is modified and consequently somewhat higher doses than normal replacement therapy may be required. Since LYSODREN increases hormone binding proteins, measurement of free cortisol and corticotropin (ACTH) levels may be useful in achieving optimal steroid replacement.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Adrenal insufficiency may develop in patients treated with LYSODREN, and adrenal steroid replacement should be considered for these patients.

Since sedation, lethargy, vertigo, and other CNS side effects can occur, ambulatory patients should be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, and other hazardous pursuits requiring mental and physical alertness.

Prolonged bleeding time has been reported in patients treated with LYSODREN. Consider this possibility prior to any surgical intervention.

Drug Interactions

LYSODREN is a strong inducer of cytochrome P-450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Monitor patients for a change in dosage requirements for the concomitant drug when administering LYSODREN to patients receiving drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4.

LYSODREN’s CYP induction effect leads to an increase in dosage requirements for warfarin. Closely monitor patients for a change in anticoagulant dosage requirements when administering LYSODREN to patients receiving coumarin-type anticoagulants.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

The carcinogenic and mutagenic potentials of LYSODREN (mitotane tablets, USP) are unknown. However, the mechanism of action of this compound suggests that it probably has less carcinogenic potential than other cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category D

LYSODREN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Abnormal pregnancy outcomes such as preterm births and early pregnancy loss have been reported in patients exposed to mitotane during pregnancy. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with LYSODREN. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to a fetus.

Advise women of childbearing potential to use effective contraception during treatment and after discontinuation of treatment for as long as mitotane plasma levels are detectable (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Nursing Mothers

Mitotane has been detected in breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from mitotane, advise women to discontinue nursing during LYSODREN therapy and after treatment discontinuation for as long as mitotane plasma levels are detectable (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of LYSODREN did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently than younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Page last updated: 2013-11-29

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