Before starting Korlym, tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant. You should not take Korlym during pregnancy.
What to know before starting Korlym®
What to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting Korlym
Korlym is used to treat high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) caused by high cortisol levels in the blood (hypercortisolism) in adults with endogenous Cushing syndrome who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance and who cannot have surgery or for whom surgery has failed.
Before starting treatment with Korlym, your healthcare provider should consider establishing your:
Blood potassium levels
Blood sugar levels
Blood pressure levels
It is important to establish these levels before starting Korlym because changes in your potassium, blood sugar, and blood pressure are possible during treatment.
Patients with a uterus
If you have a uterus, it's important to let your gynecologist (GYN) know that you are taking Korlym, as it can cause thickening of the uterine lining. Your GYN may need to adjust any treatment or care they provide as a result. Talk with your GYN to determine if a baseline ultrasound is necessary.*
In the Korlym clinical trial, participants with a uterus were given a baseline ultrasound to track the progression of uterine thickening.
Setting treatment expectations
The goal of treatment with Korlym is to improve signs and symptoms caused by excess cortisol. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider how you are feeling as your body adjusts to Korlym. Work with your healthcare provider to create personalized treatment goals, set treatment expectations, and plan follow-up appointments.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have or have had, including:
Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia)
Bleeding problems, or if you are taking medicines to thin your blood
A history of abnormal vaginal bleeding
Heart problems
A condition for which you have been taking medications called corticosteroids (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or prednisone). Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medicines you are currently taking
If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Korlym passes into your breast milk and may harm your baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take Korlym or breastfeed. You should not do both
An organ transplant
It’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready to ask your healthcare provider. You should also bring a list of medicines you’re currently taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Review our frequently asked questions to learn more.
Patient guide to starting Korlym
Use this resource to help you as you begin treatment on Korlym.