Mitotane is a chemotherapy medication used to treat tumors on the adrenal gland that cannot be surgically removed. This medication is taken three to four times a day by mouth. It attacks cancer cells in order to stop tumors from growing. It also may kill existing cancer cells.

Side Effects/Warnings

Patients who take this medication may not be able to produce adrenalin when they need it. This is especially problematic if the person experiences shock or trauma of any sort. The inability to produce adrenalin can throw the body into shock. For this reason, Mitotane should only be administered in the hospital while under a doctor’s supervision and should be temporarily stopped if a patient suffers psychological or physical trauma.