Lysodren 500 mg (100 Tablet)

Lysodren (mitotane) is used for the medical treatment of Cushing's Disease (pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism) in dogs. It has also been used for the palliative treatment of adrenal carcinoma in humans and dogs.

Lysodren can best be described as an adrenal cytotoxic agent, although it can cause adrenal inhibition, apparently without cellular destruction. Its biochemical mechanism of action is unknown. Data are available to suggest that the drug modifies the peripheral metabolism of steroids as well as directly suppressing the adrenal cortex.

Key Benefits

• Two phases that effectively combat canine Cushing's disease
• Easy to administer in chewable tablet form
• Cost-effective

How It Works

Lysodren acts to suppress adrenal gland function by eroding the top layers of the adrenal gland that produce corticosteroid hormones, thereby reducing the production of cortisol.

Indications

LYSODREN is an adrenal cytotoxic agent indicated for the treatment of inoperable, functional or nonfunctional, adrenal cortical carcinoma.

For medical treatment of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (bilateral adrenal hyperplasia):

• Initial therapy: 50 mg/kg divided twice a day, PO with food.
• Do not give glucocorticoids, but owner should have a small supply of prednisolone. Give until one of the following occurs:
• Polydipsic dogs consume less than 60 ml/kg/day of water.
• Dogs with excellent appetite takes 10-30 minutes longer than before mitotane therapy to consume meals (feed two small meals twice daily ).
• Dog vomits, is listless, or has diarrhea.
• If dog develops GI upset 3-4 days after starting therapy, evaluate and either temporarily halt therapy or divide dosage further.
• After 8-9 days of therapy, the dog should be evaluated. Repeat the following tests: ACTH response test, BUN, serum sodium and potassium blood levels.
• If the dog has responded clinically, stop mitotane until ACTH response test can be evaluated. If the response test yields normal or high cortisol values, mitotane is continued (generally for 3-7 days). Repeat ACTH response test every 7-10 days until a low post-ACTH cortisol level is obtained. Most dogs respond during 7-10 days and nearly all respond by the 16th day of therapy.

Maintenance therapy:

• Dogs who have responded to mitotane within 10 days of initiation receive 25 mg/kg every 7 days. Recheck ACTH response every 1-3 months. Those taking longer than 10 days to respond receive 50 mg/kg weekly in 2-3 divided dosages.
• If ACTH-stimulated cortisol levels begin to increase, mitotane dosage should be increased. Dogs with recurrent signs and symptoms of PDH or post ACTH cor-tisol values of >5 micrograms/dl, should undergo daily therapy as outlined above. These animals should also be evaluated for other conditions (e.g., renal disease, diabetes mellitus). Should anorexia and listlessness be seen with low plasma cortisol levels, reduce dosage.

Cautions:

Side effects include lethargy, weakness, and vomiting. If they occur, stop using the medication and contact your veterinarian. It should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Always wear disposable gloves when giving Lysodren to your pet and wash your hands after handling this medication. Pregnant women, or women trying to get pregnant should not handle this medication.

Precautions:

Wear gloves when handling this medication. Adrenal crisis occurs in the setting of shock or severe trauma and response to shock is impaired, in pets taking this medication. If this occurs, administer hydrocortisone, monitor for escalating signs of shock, and discontinue until recovery.

This drug is FDA-approved for human use. However, it is common practice for veterinarians to prescribe such drugs for use in dogs and cats.

Possible Side Effects

Lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, depression, and liver damage are possible. Your pet's appetite, water intake, and urination should decrease when Lysodren starts to work. Some pets may be truly allergic to this medication. Call your veterinarian if your pet is acting ill while taking Lysodren.