This medication is used to treat a certain hormone
problem (Cushing's disease) caused by a tumor in a certain part of the
brain (pituitary gland). People with Cushing's disease produce too much of
a certain hormone (cortisol). Cortisol is known as a stress hormone and
helps your body respond to stress. Having too much cortisol for too long a
time can cause various symptoms, which may be different in each person.
Osilodrostat works by decreasing the amount of cortisol made by your body.
This will help decrease some symptoms caused by having too much cortisol,
such as weakness, puffy face, unusual weight gain, slow wound healing,
thinning skin, bone pain, menstrual period changes (women), mental/mood
changes (such as depression, mood swings, agitation), easy
bruising/bleeding, increased thirst/urination, vision
problems.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking osilodrostat and each time you get
a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. The dosage is based on your
medical condition, response to treatment, lab tests, and other medications
you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the
products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and
herbal products).
Some manufacturers direct to swallow this medication
whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be
split/crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this
medication.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/abdominal pain,
dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle ache/pain, or loss of appetite may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly. Your doctor may change your dose or ask you to stop
taking this medication.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
By lowering your cortisol levels, this medication may
cause an increase in other hormones in your body (such as testosterone).
Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms such as swelling,
increased blood pressure, or increased hair growth on the body. Women may
also have acne and unwanted male-pattern hair growth.
Osilodrostat can commonly cause a mild rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical
help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away 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 osilodrostat, 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:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. 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).
Osilodrostat may cause a condition that affects the
heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious
(rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using osilodrostat, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using osilodrostat safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if osilodrostat passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for one week after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, loss of appetite,
fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as EKG, urine/blood
cortisol levels, liver function, blood potassium/magnesium levels, blood
pressure) should be done before you start taking this medication and while
you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
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.