Before starting Korlym, tell your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not take Korlym during pregnancy.
What to know before starting Korlym®
What to discuss with your healthcare professional 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 professional 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 and are taking Korlym, you may have unusual vaginal bleeding, such as spotting, missed periods, irregular periods, or other menstrual changes. If you notice signs of unusual bleeding, tell your healthcare professional right away. It is also recommended that you notify your gynecologist that you are taking Korlym.
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 professional how you are feeling as your body adjusts to Korlym. Work with your healthcare professional to create personalized treatment goals, set treatment expectations, and plan follow-up appointments.
Also, tell your healthcare professional 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
Heart problems
An organ transplant
A condition for which you have been taking medications called corticosteroids (such as cortisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, or prednisone). Talk to your healthcare professional 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 professional should decide if you will take Korlym or breastfeed. You should not do both
It’s a good idea to have a list of questions ready to ask your healthcare professional. 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.