Levoketoconazole

pronounced as (lee' voe kee' toe kon' a zole)

Brand Name(s): Recorlev®

Why is this medicine prescribed?

Levoketoconazole is used to treat high levels of cortisol (a hormone produced by your adrenal glands) in patients with Cushing's syndrome (a condition in which the body produces too much cortisol) and who have failed surgery or cannot have surgery to treat this condition. Levoketoconazole is in a class of medications called cortisol synthesis inhibitors. It works by stopping the production of cortisol.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

Levoketoconazole is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of fungal infections.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Levoketoconazole comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken two times a day with or without food. Take levoketoconazole at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levoketoconazole exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of levoketoconazole and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2-3 weeks.

Levoketoconazole controls high levels of cortisol secondary to Cushing's syndrome but does not cure it. Continue to take levoketoconazole even if you feel well. Do not stop taking levoketoconazole without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking levoketoconazole,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to levoketoconazole, ketoconazole, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in levoketoconazole tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • some medications should not be taken with levoketoconazole. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with levoketoconazole. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting levoketoconazole with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking levoketoconazole, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
  • if you are taking antacids (e.g. aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide) take them 2 hours after levoketoconazole.
  • the following nonprescription products may interact with levoketoconazole: medication for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), famotidine (Pepcid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), nizatidine (Axid), omeprazole (Prilosec), rabeprazole (AcipHex), ranitidine (Zantac). Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking levoketoconazole. Do not start any of these medications while taking levoketoconazole without discussing with your healthcare provider.
  • tell your doctor if you have an infection or if you have or ever had any of the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WARNINGS section or adrenal insufficiency (condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough steroid hormones).
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking levoketoconazole, call your doctor.
  • tell your doctor if you are breast feeding. You should not breastfeed while you are taking levoketoconazole and for 1 day after your final dose.
  • you should know that levoketoconazole may cause fertility problems. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of receiving this medication if you would like to have children.
  • ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking levoketoconazole.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What side effects can this medicine cause?

Levoketoconazole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • redness of the skin
  • headache
  • upset stomach or stomach pain
  • decreased appetite
  • joint or back pain
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • difficulty sleeping or falling asleep
  • diarrhea
  • burning or pain on urination or frequent urination
  • difficulty paying attention
  • irritability or depressed mood
  • dry mouth
  • dry skin
  • loss of hair

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get medical treatment:

  • rash; hives; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue; difficulty breathing or swallowing; or chest pain
  • swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • muscle cramps, weakness, fatigue, and constipation
  • nausea, vomiting, tiredness or lack of energy, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, or dizziness
  • unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in urine, nose bleeding
  • sexual problems in females: decreased sex drive, mood change
  • sexual problems in males: decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection
  • breast enlargement in males

Levoketoconazole may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p ) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What other information should I know?

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking levoketoconazole.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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