Lysodren, the brand name of the medication mitotane, is an antineoplastic medication used to treat cancers of the adrenal gland, called adrenocortical carcinoma. This type of cancer has a high mortality rate because the tumor cannot always be completely resected through surgery. Mitotane is the only medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat these cancers and although it can cause many side effects, some severe, it does slow down the growth of the cancer cells, thereby prolonging life.
Less Severe
Lysodren can cause several side effects that although bothersome do not require medical attention. Most of the common side effects are gastrointestinal including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, stomach pain and loss of appetite. Other side effects include general aches and pains, flushing of the skin, drowsiness, weakness and the sensation of spinning.
Most of these side effects will end once your body becomes used to the medication, often within a few weeks. If any of these effects become worse over time or do not subside, contact your medical professional.
Serious
All of the following side effects can be serious and require the immediate attention of a doctor. These include darkening of the skin, dark urine, excessive sweating, fever or chills. Lysodren may cause behavioral changes including irritability, confusion or depression. Your blood pressure should be continually monitored as Lysodren can induce high blood pressure.
An allergic reaction to Lysodren may result in a skin rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips, face or throat. Discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately.
Ocular
Lysodren works by suppressing the adrenal cortex, which is responsible for the production and secretion of many hormones. The resulting hypoadrenalism induces several side effects involving the eyes, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. These side effects include blurry vision, diplopia (double vision), pigmentary retinopathy (abnormal deposits of pigment in the retina that can lead to vision loss) and macular edema (the collection of proteins under the macula of the eye resulting in swelling that can distort vision).
This study found that ocular side effects occurred in about 4 percent of patients taking mitotane. Some patients regained visual acuity once treatment with mitotane ceased, but in any case the fact that Lysodren improves survival rates means the benefits probably outweigh the risks.
Long Term
When Lysodren is taken for more than two years, serious long term side effects may occur. Changes in behavior or memory are not uncommon and it can even lead to brain or central nervous system damage.
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