Metopirone

Normally the pituitary gland in your brain sends signals to your adrenal glands to make a natural substance called cortisol. Cortisol is important for keeping your body functioning well and for good health. Metyrapone is used to test if your pituitary gland is sending the proper signals to your adrenal glands.

Take this medication by mouth with milk or a snack as directed by your doctor.

If you are directed to use the single-dose test, take your dose of metyrapone at midnight. Early the next morning, your doctor will take a blood sample from you.

If you are directed to use the multiple-dose test, take this medication exactly at the times recommended by your doctor. For one day, several days before taking this medication, you will need to collect all your urine for a 24-hour period for testing, and then again on the day after you take this medication.

It is important to take this medication as directed to assure proper test results.

Nausea, upset stomach, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking metyrapone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: decreased adrenal gland function (primary adrenal insufficiency), thyroid problems.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. A below-normal response to this medication may occur in pregnant women.

It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your medication.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: acetaminophen, cyproheptadine, estrogens, hydantoins (such as phenytoin).

If you are taking corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone), these medications must be stopped before and during metyrapone testing. Consult your doctor for more details about how to do so safely.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, anxiety, confusion, weakness, vomiting, stomach pain.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor right away for advice and instructions.

Do not share this medication with others.

Blood or urine tests will be done to test your response to this medication. Consult your doctor for more details.