Possible side effects

What to expect while taking Korlym®

If your body has been exposed to high cortisol activity over time, it may have gotten used to it. As a result, it can take time to adjust to less cortisol activity after starting Korlym. During this period, you might experience something known as “cortisol withdrawal.” You might feel worse before you feel better, sometimes experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Some symptoms of cortisol withdrawal may include:

  • Fatigue (feeling very tired)

  • Nausea

  • Aches or weakness in your muscles or joints

  • Abdominal pain

These are not all of the possible side effects of Korlym.

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional. They can help determine if your symptoms are caused by cortisol withdrawal or an underlying condition. These symptoms may improve once you reach the best dose of Korlym for your body.

Knowing the possible side effects of Korlym can help you spot them early. The most common side effects of Korlym include:

  • Nausea

  • Fatigue

  • Headache

  • Low potassium in your blood

  • Pain in your arms and legs (arthralgia)

  • Vomiting

  • Swelling of your arms and legs (peripheral edema)

  • High blood pressure

  • Dizziness

  • Decreased appetite

  • Thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hypertrophy)

Avoid grapefruit juice while taking Korlym, as it may increase the chance of side effects.

Serious side effects of Korlym may also include:

  • Reduced effects of adrenal hormones (adrenal insufficiency), which can cause weakness, nausea, fatigue, low blood pressure, low blood sugar

  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia), which can cause muscle weakness, aches or cramps, abnormal or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or changes in your menstrual cycle

  • Heart rhythm changes (QT interval prolongation)

  • Worsening symptoms of conditions treated with corticosteroids when taken together with Korlym

It's important to talk to your healthcare professional about any side effects you experience while taking Korlym.

Starting treatment with Korlym
Learn what to know before starting Korlym and what you can expect during treatment.

Learn more about treatment with Korlym