Metyrosine capsules

What is this medicine?

METYROSINE (me TYE roe seen) lowers the amount of epinephrine and norepinephrine that the body makes. It is used to treat pheochromocytoma.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• blood in the urine

• confusion

• depressed mood

• diarrhea that is severe or that does not go away

• drooling

• hallucinations

• pain in the lower back or side

• pain when urinating

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

• tremor

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• trouble moving, speaking or walking

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• drowsiness

• dry mouth

• headache

• nausea

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders

• certain medicines for sleep

• general anesthetics

• haloperidol

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• narcotic medicines for pain

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the bottle tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to metyrosine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or healthcare professional for regular check ups.

After you stop taking this medicine you may have trouble sleeping for a few days.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Drink several glasses of water a day. This will help to lower your risk of kidney problems.