Key facts about Korlym
What is Korlym?
Korlym is the brand name for mifepristone and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Korlym available in?
Korlym is available as a 300 mg oral tablet.
What is Korlym used for?
Korlym is used to high blood sugar levels in adults with Cushing’s syndrome and Type 2 diabetes who can’t have surgery or who’ve already tried surgery.
How does Korlym work?
Korlym is a cortisol receptor blocker. It stops cortisol from attaching to its receptors to help lower blood sugar in people with Cushing’s syndrome.
How do I take Korlym?
The recommended starting dose of Korlym is 300 mg once daily. Based on your clinical response and tolerability, the dose may be increased in 300 mg increments to a maximum of 1200 mg once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Korlym?
Korlym is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication in the following:
- Allergy to mifepristone
- Currently pregnant
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Endometrial thickening
- Take oral or injected corticosteroids for life-saving conditions
- Take certain medications that interact with Korlym
Korlym Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Korlym:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Low potassium levels
- Joint pain
- Vomiting
- Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Low appetite
- Dry mouth
Korlym Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Korlym. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Low potassium levels: irregular heart beat, fatigue, muscle weakness, high blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint or lightheaded
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Korlym
The following medications may interact with Korlym:
- Drugs metabolized by CYP3A
- CYP3A inhibitors and inducers
- Drugs metabolized by CYP2C8/2C9 and CYP2B6
- Hormonal contraceptives
Who makes Korlym?
Corcept Therapeutics
Is Korlym safe in pregnancy?
Korlym can cause a loss of pregnancy. Women who can become pregnant must:
- Have a negative pregnancy test before starting Korlym
- Have a negative pregnancy test before restarting Korlym if you stop taking it for more than 14 days
- Use a non-hormonal form of birth control while on this medication and for 1 month after stopping it
- Tell your doctor immediately if you think you may be pregnant
