Is mitotane included in medical insurance now?

Mitotane, also known as Aminogluthamide, is a drug used to treat adrenocortical cancer. It acts on the adrenal cortex and inhibits the production of adrenocortical hormones, specifically cortisol (cortisol is an adrenocortical hormone). Mitotane is often used as an adjuvant treatment for adrenocortical cancer, especially after surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, to help prevent or slow the recurrence of cancer cells.

Mitotane has just been launched in China, but it is not included in medical insurance. It is still difficult for patients to purchase Mitotane in domestic hospitals. For specific information, please consult the local hospital pharmacy. Foreign countries are divided into original drugs and generic drugs. The original drug of mitotane is mainly the European version of the original drug. The price is more than 9,000 yuan, which is relatively high. In addition, there are relatively cheap foreign generic drugs, mainly Laotian generic drugs, which cost more than 3,000 yuan, and the ingredients of the original drugs and generic drugs are basically the same.

Mitotane works by interfering with the enzyme system of the adrenal cortex to reduce the synthesis of adrenocortical hormones. It does this primarily by inhibiting enzyme systems within mitochondria that are critical for the synthesis of adrenocortical hormones such as cortisol. The drug may also have direct toxic effects on the tumor cells themselves.

While taking Mitotane, patients usually need to have their cortisol levels monitored closely to ensure treatment is effective. Dosage adjustment and monitoring are critical because too much mitotane may cause adrenocortical insufficiency due to low cortisol levels.

Mitotane may cause a range of adverse reactions, including digestive problems (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), fatigue, dizziness, rash, and abnormal liver function. Due to its effects, patients may need regular liver function tests.