Aminoglutethimide
(Generic Name) Other Names: Cytadren®, Elipten®
About This Drug
Aminoglutethimide is a drug that blocks the production of certain hormones in your body. This drug is given orally.
Possible Side Effects
- rash
- tiredness
- mild nausea
- facial and chest hair growth in women
- loss of appetite
- muscle aches
- Sexual problems and reproduction concerns may occur. In men and women both, this drug may temporarily or permanently affect your ability to have children. This cannot be determined before your therapy. In men, this drug may interfere with your ability to make sperm, but it should not change your ability to have sexual relations. In women, menstrual bleeding may become irregular or stop while you are receiving this drug. Do not assume that you cannot become pregnant if you do not have a menstrual period. Women may experience signs of menopause like vaginal dryness or itching.
- This drug may have harmful effects on the unborn child, so effective methods of birth control should be used during your cancer treatment.
- Genetic counseling is available to you to discuss the effect of this drug therapy on future pregnancies. In addition, a genetic counselor can review the potential risks of problems in the fetus due to this medication if an exposure during pregnancy has occurred.
- ow blood pressure. This may cause light-headedness when going from lying to sitting or sitting to standing position.
- effects on the adrenal glands. Some hormones will not be produced; certain hormones may be replaced as a supplement.
Treating Side Effects
- Mouth care is very important. Your mouth care should consist of gently brushing with a very soft tooth brush and rinsing your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water or ½ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in 8 ounces of water. This should be done at least after every meal and at bedtime.
- Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol. Avoid alcohol and smoking because they can irritate your mouth and throat.
- Ask your doctor or nurse about medication that is available to help you prevent or lessen nausea.
- Do not put anything on your rash unless your doctor or nurse says you may. Keep the area around the rash clean and dry.
- Use effective methods of birth control during your cancer treatment.
- Vaginal lubricants can be used to lessen vaginal dryness, itching, and pain during sexual relations.
- Speak with your doctor or nurse if you plan to have children. Ask for information on sperm or egg banking.
Food and Drug Interactions
There are no known interactions of aminoglu-tethimide and any food. Take this drug one hour before or two to three hours after meals. Take it at the same time each day. Take this drug with a small, starchy snack like a cracker to decrease stomach upset.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this drug. This drug may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medications that you are currently taking.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor or nurse immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- facial flushing or swelling
Call your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if you have any of the following symptoms:
- persistent loss of appetite or rapid weight