Orimeten

What is it?

An anticancer drug which inhibits steroid synthesis, available as scored, off-white tablets containing 250mg of aminoglutethimide marked GG and CG.

Medical Uses

Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women or those whose ovaries have been removed. Also, advanced prostate cancer and Cushing's syndrome resulting from malignancy.

Dosage

Adults, breast and prostate cancer, 1 tablet each day at first, increasing by 1 tablet daily every week to a maximum daily dose of 4 tablets, in divided doses, (3, in cases of prostate cancer). Breast cancer patients may only require 1 tablet, twice daily. Cushing's syndrome, 1 each day slowly increasing if required to 4 daily, in divided doses. Maximum dose is 8 tablets each day in divided doses.

Special Care

Regular monitoring of electrolytes and blood counts is required. Also, thyroid function and blood pressure. Patients with breast or prostate cancer require glucoeorticoids (adrenal gland hormones) and these may Also, be needed by those with Cushing's syndrome. Also, mineralocorticoids (adrenal gland hormones) may be needeed. If blood changes occur, drug should be withdrawn.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, porphyria (an inherited metabolic disorder involving porphyrins).

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Synthetic glucocorticoids, anticoagulants, hypoglycaemics taken by mouth, diuretics, alcohol, theophylline, medroxyprogesterone.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, headache, blood changes, depression, drowsiness, effects on CNS, insomnia, dizziness, loss of coordination, rash, thyroid disorders. In rare cases, hepatitis, kidney disorders, exfoliative dermatitis, underactive adrenal glands, high blood cholesterol levels, anaphylaxis. If allergic alveolitis (inflammation of the air sacs, alveoli, of the lungs) occurs, the drug should be withdrawn.