using cortisol reducing drugs in combination Posted: 02-24-08 23:34pm
Hello,
I have a question about cortisol reducing
drugs. My boyfriend has adrenal cortical
cancer, and is now suffering from
Cushing's syndrome, which is the result of
excess cortisol in the body. He
participated in an experimental trial for
a cancer drug, which required that he stop
taking mitotane. He has resumed taking 6
grams of mitotane to reduce his cortisol
levels, but so far the drug has been
ineffective. His levels are dangerously
high and must be reduced. Does anyone
know if you can take mitotane in
conjunction with another cortisol reducing
drug like ketoconazole (Nizoral) or
metyrapone (Metopirone)? Or are there any
other drugs that he can take to help the
mitotane work?
Any answers would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Tracy
|
MandMs
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 1963 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
Thanks: 29
Thanked:10
online
Posted: 02-27-08 03:53am
Mitotane and ketoconazole are not
recommended to be used together to treat
hyperadrenocorticism as the adrenolytic
effects of mitotane may be inhibited by
ketoconazole’s inhibition of cytochrome
P450 enzymes.
Mitotane and metyrapone may be effective
as single drugs, or used in combination
with radiotherapy.
How long is your boyfriend taking
mitotane?
|
Tra_cy
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 4
Posted: 02-27-08 15:25pm
Hi,
Thanks for the information. He's resumed
taking mitotane at the end of December, so
I'm not sure how long it's supposed to
take to work. Can he take ketoconazole or
metyraphone instead of mitotane if he has
adrenal cortical cancer? Are these drugs
effective for cancer-related Cushing's
syndrome?
|
MandMs
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 1963 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
Thanks: 29
Thanked:10
online
Posted: 03-03-08 03:13am
Have the doctors achieved the maximum
tolerated dose of mitotane for your
boyfriend?
Was he suggested radiotherapy?
Usually, clinical benefits (reduction in
tumor mass, reduction in pain, weakness or
anorexia and reduction of symptoms and
signs due to excessive steroid production)
are observed after 3 months at the maximum
tolerated dose and if there are no
benefits, it is considered a clinical
failure.
Usage of metyrapone and ketoconazole for
the correction of hypercortisolemia in
Cushing’s syndrome is well established
and they are often used preoperatively
(mitotane is indicated in the treatment of
inoperable adrenal cortical carcinoma, so,
I guess that's why he wasn't suggested
metyrapone and ketoconazole) Sorry, if I'm
making unbiased conclusions.
Best wishes for you and your boyfriend!
Marija
|
Tra_cy
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 4
Posted: 03-05-08 11:38am
The doctor's haven't put him up to the
maximum dose yet, and so perhaps
increasing the dose will help, along with
more time. Are benefits seen below the
maximum dose? And if they are, when do
they start to show up? He's not getting
worse necessarily, but he's not getting
any better either, so I don't know if the
mitotane is just not working, of if the
dose needs to be increased, or more time
is needed.
Thank you for your help so far and your
well wishes, I really appreciate it
The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made.
Schizophreniahealth
This page was last updated on June 11, 2008
