Metyrosine

Metyrosine is used to treat pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland).

Metyrosine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water each day to help prevent crystals from forming in your urine.

Metyrosine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using metyrosine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

For 2 or 3 days after you stop taking metyrosine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty sleeping or increased alertness.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use metyrosine if you are allergic to it.

Metyrosine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney stones or other kidney problems;
• heart problems; or
• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Metyrosine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• drooling, trouble speaking;
• confusion, hallucinations;
• tremors or muscle spasms;
• painful or difficult urination;
• urine that looks cloudy; or
• severe or ongoing diarrhea.

Common side effects of metyrosine may include:

• drowsiness; or
• involuntary muscle movement.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include anxiety, depression, agitation, dry mouth, diarrhea, tremors or shaking, or tightness in your jaw.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how metyrosine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Using metyrosine with other medications that cause drowsiness can make you feel even more tired. Check with your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially antipsychotic medicine.

Other drugs may impact how metyrosine works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Let your doctor know about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop taking.