home > drugs a-z list > lysodren (mitotane) drug center > lysodren (mitotane) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe dizziness, flushing, fast/pounding heartbeat, shakiness (tremors), unusual/rapid weight loss, change in skin color/thickness.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, breast tenderness/enlargement (males), unwanted facial/body hair (females), mental/mood changes (e.g., depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, confusion), speech problems, numbness/tingling of hands/feet, unsteadiness, pink urine, vision problems.

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, or persistent sore throat.

Mitotane can commonly cause a rash that usually goes away. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop a rash.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking mitotane, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current infection (especially viral infections such as chickenpox, herpes), blood pressure problems, liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

This medication can make it difficult to control your blood pressure. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

If you have been using this product, your body may not produce enough natural steroids. You may need to start taking additional corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone), especially if your body is stressed due to a major infection, surgery or injury. Tell your doctor immediately if a stress situation (e.g., trauma, surgery, serious infection) is occurring or any of the following side effects occur: unusual weakness, sudden weight loss, dizziness. This advice applies during and up to 8 months after stopping mitotane treatment. Carry an emergency card or bracelet with this information. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.