What to look out for when using Mitotane

Mitotane is specific for non-surgical adrenocortical carcinoma, hyperplasia, and tumor-induced cortisol hyperactivity, and its essence lies in the precise inhibition of adrenal cortex function.

What to look out for when using Mitotane

There are various aspects that patients and healthcare professionals need to be aware of when using Mitotane to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication, and the potential central nervous system effects of using Mitotane are detailed below:

1. Toxicity monitoring

Mitotane may cause sedation, drowsiness, and vertigo, and requires regular monitoring of behavioral and neurologic conditions, as well as plasma levels, and an increased risk of toxicity beyond 20 mg/L.

2. Thyroid function assessment

Mitotane can cause hypothyroidism, and thyroid function should be checked if cognitive impairment is present.

3. Safe driving warning

Mitotane affects the ability to drive and operate machinery, and when there is an adverse reaction to the central system, it is strictly forbidden to drive or operate dangerous machinery, and if necessary, adjust the dosage of the drug or stop it.

In addition to the need to be aware of central nervous toxicity during the use of Mitotane, further attention should be paid to the patient's own condition after discontinuation of Mitotane.

Precautions after discontinuation of Mitotane

Patients should be aware of the following after discontinuation of Mitotane:

1. Continue monitoring

Patients should continue to be monitored for changes in physical condition and biochemistry after discontinuation to ensure that there are no residual problems or risk of recurrence.

2. Gradually stop the drug

If the drug needs to be stopped, the dose should be gradually reduced until the drug is completely stopped under the guidance of a doctor to avoid rebound or aggravation caused by sudden discontinuation.

In order to ensure the therapeutic effect of Mitotane, patients should pay attention to the changes in their own symptoms and other precautions from the above aspects after stopping the drug.

Other precautions for the use of Mitotane

Here are some other precautions for patients using Mitotane:

1. Avoid drug interactions

During the use of Mitotane, concomitant use with other drugs that may affect the function of the adrenal cortex should be avoided to avoid drug interactions.

2. Pay attention to your lifestyle habits

Patients should maintain good lifestyle habits and attitudes to avoid the occurrence of overwork and stress situations to reduce further effects on adrenal cortex function.

3. Emergency treatment

In the event of an emergency (e.g., shock, severe trauma, infection, etc.), you should seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor that you are using Mitotane so that you can adjust your treatment plan in a timely manner.

【Warm tips】When patients buy generic drugs, they should choose formal channels to ensure the quality and safety of the drugs. Avoid purchasing counterfeit products from informal sources.