Aminoglutethimide

About Aminoglutethimide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as hormone antagonists.

Aminoglutethimide is used to treat breast or prostate cancer. It works by blocking the effects of oestrogen, which is thought to encourage the growth of breast and prostate cancers. It is also used to treat Cushing's syndrome which occurs when a tumour causes too much corticosteroid hormone to be produced by the body.

Aminoglutethimide is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Orimeten. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Aminoglutethimide

Before taking Aminoglutethimide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you are a woman using a hormonal method of contraception such as the pill, injection, implant or intrauterine system (IUS)
• if you suffer from porphyria
• if you suffer from blood pressure problems
• if you are a woman and you have not gone through the menopause
• if you suffer from problems with your thyroid or adrenal glands
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Aminoglutethimide

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• If you are sick shortly after taking a dose, or you forget a dose, check with your doctor. You will be told whether to take the dose again, or wait until the next dose is due.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Aminoglutethimide contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Aminoglutethimide.
• You must avoid getting pregnant while taking Aminoglutethimide, ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• Aminoglutethimide may cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effect on you.
• Aminoglutethimide may cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran and by drinking plenty of water.
• Aminoglutethimide can cause dizziness, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• You may also be given steroids to take with Aminoglutethimide to prevent some side effects.
• If you have any treatment, including dental treatment and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking Aminoglutethimide.
• If you have diabetes this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and report any extreme changes to your doctor.

Can Aminoglutethimide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Lack of energy, tiredness, rash, fever (high temperature), dizziness, feeling sick, lack of co-ordination, headache, depression, problems sleeping, itching, diarrhoea, being sick, constipation, loss of appetite, sweating, flaky dry skin, excessive hairiness or confusion.

If you experience shortness of breath or any unusual bruising or bleeding contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Aminoglutethimide

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 01/02/2005