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Trilostane

  • Take trilostane with or immediately after food.
  • Any side-effects experienced are usually mild.
  • If you are a woman who is able to have children, it is important that you do not become pregnant during treatment.

About trilostane

Type of medicineAdrenal inhibitor
Used forCushing's syndrome
Primary hyperaldosteronism
Postmenopausal breast cancer
Also calledModrenal®
Available asCapsules

Trilostane is used to treat Cushing's syndrome and primary hyperaldosteronism. These are both disorders where excess amounts of corticosteroid hormones are produced in the body. Corticosteroids are essential for the body to make use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins and for a normal response to stress. They are also necessary for the regulation of salt and water balance in the body. Trilostane helps prevent the production of corticosteroids, controlling the symptoms associated with these disorders.

Trilostane can also be useful in the treatment of breast cancer that has relapsed in women who have gone through menopause.

Before taking trilostane

Before taking trilostane make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take trilostane

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Take trilostane with or immediately after food.
  • Try to take trilostane at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you are a woman who is able to have children, it is important that you do not become pregnant during treatment with trilostane. You may be asked to have a pregnancy test before treatment and to use condoms (and not 'the pill') for contraception.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can trilostane cause problems?

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

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods. Taking your capsules after food will help
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Flushing, tingling and swelling of mouth, runny nose, and skin rashesIf any of these are troublesome, let your doctor know

Important: if you develop infections frequently, speak with your doctor as you will need to have a blood test.

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

How to store trilostane

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Modrenal®, Genzyme Therapeutics, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2008, accessed October 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3381DocRef: dils2405Last Reviewed: 22 Dec 2009Version: 22
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