METYROSINE - ORAL

METYROSINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (me-TYE-roe-seen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Demser

GENERIC NAME(S): metyrosine

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure in people with a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma). Metyrosine is used to prevent high blood pressure before and immediately after surgery to remove the tumor. It is also used long-term in people who cannot have the surgery. It is not used for other kinds of high blood pressure. Metyrosine prevents the tumor from making certain natural substances (catecholamines) that raise the blood pressure and make the heart beat faster. Lowering the amount of catecholamines lessens the risk of a very serious attack of high blood pressure (hypertensive crisis).


How to use METYROSINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more than a total of 4 grams each day. Your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and slowly increase your dose until you are taking the best dose for you. Your doctor will check your blood pressure and order lab tests (e.g., urine tests for catecholamines) to find the best dose. During treatment with this medication, it is important that you get plenty of fluids and pass urine frequently to help avoid kidney and bladder side effects. Ask your doctor how much fluid you should drink and how often you should urinate each day, and follow these instructions carefully. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. You may have trouble sleeping (insomnia) for 2 to 3 days after you stop taking this medication. Tell your doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen or if you have other symptoms of very high blood pressure (e.g., headache, nausea, sweating, fast heartbeat). This medication is usually taken for at least 5 to 7 days before surgery. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (e.g., headache, nausea, sweating, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure readings).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, and diarrhea may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: difficulty speaking, drooling, unwanted/uncontrolled movements, muscle stiffness, shaking (tremor), decrease in sexual ability, tenderness/swelling of the breast. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, severe anxiety), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, painful urination, pink/bloody urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking metyrosine, 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 disease, liver disease, severe loss of body water (dehydration). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Alcohol may also cause you to lose too much body water (become dehydrated). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: 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: anti-psychotic medication (e.g., haloperidol, thiothixene), certain drugs (phenothiazines) used to treat mental/mood conditions or nausea (e.g., chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: 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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

DEMSER 250 MG CAPSULE

color
dark blue
shape
oblong
imprint
DEMSER, MSD 690

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Faq for METYROSINE - ORAL

Metyrosine is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as inhibitors of catecholamine synthesis. It works by reducing the production of certain chemicals in the body, specifically dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Metyrosine is primarily used in the treatment of a rare condition called pheochromocytoma, which is a tumor of the adrenal gland. It is also sometimes prescribed in combination with other medications to lower blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure caused by overactive adrenal glands.

Metyrosine is usually taken orally, either with or without food, as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and frequency will be determined by your doctor based on your specific condition. It is important to follow the instructions provided and take the medication regularly.

Common side effects of Metyrosine may include dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dry mouth, and changes in taste. If these side effects persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

While not common, serious side effects may occur with Metyrosine. These can include severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, severe headache, mood changes, and signs of liver problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Yes, Metyrosine can interact with several medications including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), alpha-agonists, antihypertensive drugs, and certain psychiatric medications. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbs you are currently taking before starting Metyrosine.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.