Diagnosing Cushing syndrome

Tests that measure cortisol levels

Your healthcare provider may run several tests to see if you have Cushing syndrome (also known as hypercortisolism).

Dexamethasone suppression test (DST)
Measures the body’s response to an external source of cortisol. This test will help identify if there is a problem with how your body produces cortisol.

The DST is often recommended when Cushing syndrome is suspected.

Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC)
Measures the amount of cortisol in your saliva at the point when it should be at its lowest level.

This test is considered by some to be the best early predictor of a Cushing disease (Pituitary Cushing syndrome) recurrence.

Urine free cortisol (UFC)
Measures the amount of cortisol in your urine over 24 hours to see if your body is producing too much.

This test is often recommended when Cushing disease (Pituitary Cushing syndrome) is suspected.

Korlym patient stories
Watch Mark’s video to learn more about Cushing syndrome, treatment with Korlym, and the importance of support.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATIONS

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What Is Korlym^® (mifepristone) 300 mg Tablets?

Korlym is a prescription medicine 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. Korlym is not for people who have type 2 diabetes mellitus not caused by Cushing syndrome.

Most Important Information About Korlym

Korlym should never be taken by women who are pregnant or who might become pregnant. Taking Korlym during pregnancy will result in the loss of a pregnancy. A pregnancy test is required before starting Korlym or if treatment is interrupted for more than 14 days. Talk with your doctor about how to prevent pregnancy.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Korlym and certain other medicines, may affect each other or may cause side effects.

Do not take Korlym if:

you are taking certain medications for high cholesterol, such as simvastatin (e.g., Zocor®) or lovastatin (e.g., Mevacor®), as Korlym may cause a dangerous increase in the level of these medications in the blood
you take corticosteroid medications like prednisone to treat a serious medical condition
you have experienced unexplained vaginal bleeding, changes in the cells lining your uterus (endometrial hyperplasia), or cancer of the lining of your uterus (endometrial cancer)

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Korlym?

Patients taking Korlym should be monitored for side effects. Potential serious side effects include signs of adrenal insufficiency, low potassium levels, changes to the lining of the uterus, vaginal bleeding, and problems with the electrical system of the heart.

The most common side effects of Korlym include nausea, fatigue, headache, low potassium in the blood, pain in arms and legs (arthralgia), vomiting, swelling of arms and legs (peripheral edema), high blood pressure, dizziness, decreased appetite, and thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrial hypertrophy).

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Korlym. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. For medical advice about side effects, call your doctor.

Before taking Korlym, talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Complete warnings and other Important Safety Information are available in the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.