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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...
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Mitotane is a cancer medication. That interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Mitotane is used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland (adrenal cortical carcinoma).
Mitotane may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
Less serious side effects may include:
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.
You may receive your first few doses of mitotane in a hospital setting where you can be monitored in case the medication causes serious side effects.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to mitotane.
Before taking mitotane, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or if you have had a recent infection, surgery, or trauma.
Always wear rubber gloves when handling mitotane tablets. The medicine from a crushed or broken tablet can be dangerous if it gets on your skin.
You may need to take steroid medication along with mitotane to best treat your condition. Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without advice from your doctor.
If you have any type of infection, serious injury or medical emergency, you may need to stop taking this medication for a short time. Your doctor will determine when you can start taking mitotane again.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking mitotane, in case of an emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are using mitotane.
You must remain under the care of a doctor while taking mitotane. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take up to several months of using mitotane before your symptoms improve. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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