Metyrapone - Oral

Metyrapone is used to treat the signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (a disorder or set of symptoms caused by high levels of stress hormone called cortisol, which is produced in the adrenal glands).

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Metyrapone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it together with food or milk. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition or your response to the medication.

Metyrapone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have adrenal insufficiency (a rare disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of certain hormones) as Metyrapone may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• other adrenal problems
• hypopituitarism (a condition wherein the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones in the body)
• thyroid disease
• liver disease
• heart disease
• electrolyte disturbances (imbalance of essential minerals in the body)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Metyrapone to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. cortisol and potassium levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs or symptoms of adrenal insufficiency and swelling of the deep layers of the skin may also be needed.

Metyrapone may cause dizziness or sleepiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, decreased appetite, pimples, and excessive hair growth.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• severe nausea or vomiting, muscle weakness, tiredness, mood changes, weight loss
• severe dizziness or passing out
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine
• medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline
• medicines for thyroid disease
• corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medicines)
• paracetamol (medicine for fever and pain)
• cyproheptadine (medicine for cold or allergy)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Metyrapone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from moisture and heat.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.