Metyrosine capsules

What is this medication?

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

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Demser

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

How should I use this medication?

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

• 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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

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

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluid you need to drink each day.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.