Is Lysodren A Thing Of The Past?

[4Vicki]

I've been posting info on a friend's Boston Terrier who has recently been diagnosed w/Cushings & also has a very bad case of calcinosis cutis.

Both Lysodren & Vetoryl appear to be the drugs of choice........Vicki's vet has chosen Vetoryl but, in doing research, I have found that some vets seem to have better luck w/Lysodren in clearing up cal cutis. I printed out some material for Janice (Vicki's humommie) so she asked the vet about this last week.

He told her that Lysodren is being pulled off the market due to the side effects. I have looked all over the internet & also PM'd a couple of the mods to see if anyone has heard about this.

My biggest concern is that if Vicki does not respond to the Vetoryl in clearing up her skin, where does she go from there?

Anyone heard any more about this???????

[Squirt's Mom]

The staff was talking about this today and here's the scoop -

This same topic came up in 2009...just to let you know how old the vet's info might be.

Lysodren has never been, and probably never will be, approved for veterinary use. It is a human drug used to treat human Cushing's. But, because over time other drugs have been discovered/created that do a better job in humans, Mitotane (Lysodren) is not much used in humans any longer. Therefore, there isn't as much human demand for a human drug but the manufacturer did not consider pulling because of the side effects. However, there is a demand for it in the veterinary world and it has remained on the FDA's list of approved drugs.

Approved drugs for 2011: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/D.../UCM071118.pdf
scroll to Lysodren/Mitotane

So let Janice, and her vet, know that Lysodren (Mitotane) is still available and that as far as any one can tell today, it will remain available.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[4Vicki]

Thanks for the info, Leslie.........I want to print that out for Janice. I had a feeling that this was not accurate info which is why I turned to all of you.........w/all that great knowledge........that you are willing to share........

I also want her to know that if Vetoryl doesn't seem to be helping the cal cutis, that she has another route to go. I think that's pretty important.

[marie adams]

Hi There,

I wanted to add I treated my Aussie Maddie with Lysodren with no side effects that I was aware of and believe me with Cushing's you are keeping a close eye on them for any change. I purchased my pills from Costco as they seemed to be the cheaper price of any pharmacies. It is expensive also in my opinion.

I hope this helps!!!

[4Vicki]

Thanks for that info, Marie. Just so happened that Janice was here yesterday when I found your post. There's a Costco close to us so that's good to know.

She's going to see a specialist & see what she recommends for Vicki. I think the info she got from her vet about Lysodren has made her a little uncomfortable.

Will post more info when I have it........

[Labs101]

How do you get Lysodren from Costco or Walmart? My vet wants to go with trilostane, but I really think I want to go with Lysodren. I also have to be careful with costs and I want to be able to afford my dog's medication and all that goes with it. I stay home so I am able to monitor my dog all day if need be. That in itself is probably the only reason we haven't had more accidents with all her water retention and constant eating and drinking.

[lulusmom]

How do you get Lysodren from Costco or Walmart? My vet wants to go with trilostane, but I really think I want to go with Lysodren. I also have to be careful with costs and I want to be able to afford my dog's medication and all that goes with it. I stay home so I am able to monitor my dog all day if need be. That in itself is probably the only reason we haven't had more accidents with all her water retention and constant eating and drinking.

All you need is a prescription from your vet.