Metyrapone

About metyrapone

Metyrapone is a medicine which can be used to diagnose Cushing's syndrome. It is also occasionally prescribed to treat Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome is a condition where the level of a substance, called cortisol, in your body is too high over a long period of time. Cortisol is a hormone which helps your body react in a normal way to stress. It also helps regulate your blood pressure, your immune system and your blood sugar levels. Your body normally keeps the level of cortisol within a certain range so that there is neither too much nor too little. When you produce too much cortisol, a number of symptoms can develop over time although these can be fairly nonspecific, such as putting on weight, muscle weakness and bruising easily. Metyrapone helps prevent the over-production of cortisol and this helps to control these symptoms.

Metyrapone is also used to treat some types of water retention caused by an increased amount of a hormone called aldosterone. This type of water retention can occur if you have a kidney problem, liver cirrhosis, or heart failure. Water retention occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in your body. It can make your feet or face swollen and puffy.

Before taking metyrapone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking metyrapone it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

• If you have been told that you have underactive thyroid, pituitary or adrenal glands.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have any problems with the way your heart works, especially an irregular heartbeat.

• If you have been told that you have an imbalance in the levels of salts in your body.

• If you have high blood pressure.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take metyrapone

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about metyrapone and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Metyrapone will be prescribed for you initially by a specialist doctor in a hospital. Your dose will depend upon the reason why you are taking it, so your doctor will tell you how many capsules to take and when to take them. This information will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said. Take the capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to.

• Swallow the capsules whole - do not chew them before you swallow.

• Take the capsules with a drink of milk or just after eating a meal. This will help prevent you from feeling sick after taking your doses.

• Try to get into a habit of taking your doses at the same times of day each day. This will help you to remember to take the capsules regularly.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is almost time to take your next dose then skip the missed dose and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• People with ectopic Cushing's syndrome who take metyrapone may be more prone to getting certain infections. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you and may prescribe preventative antibiotic treatment.

Can metyrapone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones occasionally associated with metyrapone. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

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

How to store metyrapone

• 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