CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Gigi Davidson,
Medication: Mitotane
Your cat has been prescribed mitotane for the treatment of Cushing’s disease.
ℹ️Key points: • There are no licensed veterinary products containing mitotane. Your veterinarian may prescribe a human drug to your pet which contains mitotane. Your veterinarian will explain off-license prescribing to you. • Use with care in diabetic patients. • Do not use in pregnant or nursing queens. • Wear gloves to handle this medication. • Dosage: once daily initially then dose may reduce to once weekly, or fortnightly, as directed by your veterinarian.
ℹ️This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist. ⚠️Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Mitotane (my-to-tayn).
Brand name
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing mitotane.
Class of medication
- Dicophane derivative.
- Cytotoxic.
Storage
- Store at room temperature.
Why has my cat been prescribed mitotane?
Your veterinarian has prescribed mitotane for the treatment of Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism). With Cushing’s disease, your pet’s adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. High levels of cortisol cause symptoms such as hunger, thirst, urinating more, pot-bellied appearance, weak muscles, thin skin and a poor coat. Mitotane kills the cells in the adrenal gland that produce cortisol, so reduces the cortisol back to normal levels. Sometimes mitotane may kill too many of the cortisol producing cells and cortisol levels may go too low (Addison’s disease). Addison’s disease is a life-threatening and your cat will then need additional medicine to replace the cortisol. Mitotane is usually only prescribed if other Cushing’s medication has failed to control the disease.
How is the medication given?
Mitotane is given orally (as tablets). It may also be compounded as a liquid, but do not switch from tablets to liquid without consulting your veterinarian. You should wear gloves when handling mitotane. Mitotane is usually administered once daily. It may take a few weeks to ascertain the correct dose for your pet, as this varies between patients. Tablets should be administered with food to ensure that the drug is absorbed. It is important to follow dosing guidelines carefully.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Reported side-effects include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and tiredness. Incoordination and seizures have also been reported as rare side-effects. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you feel your pet has any side-effects from this medication. Mitotane should not be given to pregnant or nursing queens. Mitotane interacts with many drugs including other hormones, antifungal drugs, antiepileptic drugs, and spironolactone. Tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements that your cat is receiving at home. Mitotane may affect the insulin requirements of diabetic animals, so these patients should be monitored closely.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Mitotane should be administered according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Your pet may require this medication for life.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused mitotane safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not give a double dose. Make sure the next dose is separated by at least 6 h. If you accidentally give an extra dose, your pet should be fine but contact your veterinarian if you give more than one extra dose. If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice. Do not stop giving the mitotane.
What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?
Mitotane should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for. If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice. If accidentally consumed by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center immediately.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on mitotane?
Mitotane treatment requires close supervision by you and your veterinarian. Your cat will need frequent check-ups and blood tests to ensure that they are on the correct dose of mitotane and that no harmful effects are occurring.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on mitotane can be found on the package insert.Europe & UK
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing mitotane available in the UK and Europe.
US
- There are no licensed veterinary products containing mitotane available in the US.