Trilostane

(try-low-stain)

Other names for this medication: Vetoryl

Used to treat high cortisol levels (Cushing disease).

•Give this medication with food. If giving once daily, give in the morning.

•Do not empty capsule contents or attempt to divide the capsules.

•Side effects are generally mild and should improve shortly after beginning treatment. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any side effects, including lack of energy, decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.

•Very rarely, animals can develop a life-threatening complication called an Addisonian crisis from cortisol levels that are too low. This is a medical emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately if you notice sudden severe vomiting, lack of energy, pale gums, weakness, or collapse.

•Wash your hands after handling this medication. Do not handle this medication if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Description

•Adrenal hormone suppressant

•Available as oral capsules

Uses

FDA-approved uses in animals:

•Treatment of high cortisol levels (Cushing disease) in dogs

At the discretion of your veterinarian, this medication may be used in different species or for other reasons (extra-label use), such as for the treatment of:

•High cortisol levels in cats and other species

•Alopecia X in dogs

Before this medication is given

No medication is 100% safe in all patients. Discuss with your veterinarian:

•Any other medications or supplements your animal is taking

•Any conditions or diseases your animal currently has or has had in the past

•Any side effects your animal has had to medications in the past

•The risks of using this medication if your animal is nursing

Warnings for animals

Do not use in animals:

•That are allergic to this medication

•That are pregnant

•That have liver or kidney disease

Use with caution in animals:

•That are under stress, such as animals that are sick, boarding, or undergoing surgery

•That have received mitotane within the previous month

•That are receiving angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone

Certain medications are not allowed in some animal competitions. Check rules and regulations when your animal is taking a medication.

Warnings for humans

•Wash your hands after handling.

•Do not open or divide capsules.

•Do not handle this medication if you are If pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

How do I give this medication?

•Give with food.

•If you are giving once daily, give in the morning.

•Give capsules whole. Do not empty capsule contents or divide the capsules.

Give exactly as your veterinarian has prescribed. Always follow the instructions on the prescription label.

Side effects

Side effects are generally mild and often improve shortly after starting treatment but could also be signs that your animal’s cortisol levels are too low. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any side effects, including:

•Lack of energy or decreased activity

•Vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite

•Weight loss

•Pale gums, weakness or collapse, or severe or bloody vomiting or diarrhea. These may be signs of an Addisonian crisis, which is a medical emergency. Seek veterinary care immediately.

How will I know it's working?

•You should see a gradual improvement in your animal’s signs as the medication becomes fully effective.

‐You may notice decreased thirst and urination within a couple weeks of starting trilostane.

‐Other signs, such as pot-bellied appearance, can take several weeks to months to improve.

‐Some signs, such as hair loss, may get worse before getting better.

•Your veterinarian may have you monitor your dog’s weight, water consumption, appetite, and frequency of urination.

•Your veterinarian will perform follow-up tests to determine how well your animal is tolerating the medication and evaluate how well it is working.

Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs worsen or do not improve.

How long will the medication effects last?

•This medication will stop working within 24 hours of the last dose.

How long do I give it for?

•This is typically a lifelong medication. Make sure to refill the prescription to avoid interruptions in treatment.

Overdose

If you witness or suspect an overdose, call your veterinarian or an animal-specific poison control center (consultation fee applies):

•ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435

•Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Have the product or label with you if possible.

Missed dose

In most cases, if you miss a dose:

•Give it when you remember, then return to the regular dosing schedule.

If it is close to the time for the next dose:

•Skip the missed dose.

•Give the next dose at the next scheduled time.

•Continue the regular dosing schedule.

If you are unsure, call your veterinary clinic. Do not double-up or give extra doses.

Storage

•Store in the original container at room temperature.

•Keep capsules in the foil blister pack until right before administration.

•Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Disposal

Do not flush this medication down the toilet or wash it down the sink. This medication is very harmful to aquatic life. Options for disposing of unused or expired medications include:

•Drug take-back sites: This is preferred whenever possible. To find a site near you, contact your local law enforcement or waste management authorities.

•Home disposal: Mix the medication in with coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal in a plastic bag, and throw away in the trash.

Do not save leftover medication or give it to others to use.