Korlym vs. Mifepristone for Cushing's Syndrome: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Korlym

(mifepristone)

Mifepristone

(Mifeprex)

Summary for Korlym

Prescription only

Korlym, also known by its generic name mifepristone, is a cortisol receptor blocker. It's used to manage high blood sugar levels in certain adults with Cushing's syndrome who have Type 2 diabetes. This medication is an option for people if they can't have surgery or if surgery didn't help with their condition. Korlym (mifepristone) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day with food. Dosage adjustments are based on how well the medication is working. It also depends on whether you have unpleasant side effects. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and headache.

Indications for Korlym

Managing 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

Pros and Cons for Korlym

Pros

A possible option for people with Cushing's syndrome who can't have surgery or who've had surgery without success
Taken by mouth just once per day

Cons

Not a first-choice option because it has many side effects and drug interactions
Not reliable to monitor cortisol levels during treatment
Not safe for people who are pregnant

Common Side Effects for Korlym

Nausea (48%)
Fatigue (48%)
Headache (44%)
Low potassium levels (34%)
Joint pain (30%)
Vomiting (26%)
Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet (26%)
High blood pressure (24%)
Dizziness (22%)
Low appetite (20%)
Dry mouth (18%)

Warnings for Korlym

Loss of pregnancy
Must use nonhormonal birth control if you're sexually active and able to get pregnant
Low adrenal hormone levels (adrenal insufficiency)
Vaginal bleeding and changes to the uterine lining
Low potassium levels
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Interactions with other medications

Summary for Mifepristone

Prescription only

Mifepristone (Mifeprex) is used together with misoprostol (Cytotec) for medical abortion (using prescribed medications to end a pregnancy). These medications are typically used in people no more than 10 weeks pregnant. In some cases, it can be prescribed to people up to 11 weeks pregnant. Mifepristone (Mifeprex) is only available by prescription in certain U.S. states from certain healthcare providers (including some pharmacies). Taking mifepristone (Mifeprex) with misoprostol (Cytotec) can cause side effects like nausea and cramps. Vaginal bleeding is also an expected symptom after you've taken these abortion pills, but a lot of heavy bleeding can be a sign of serious complications. You'll need to follow up with your provider to make sure your pregnancy has ended completely.

Indications for Mifepristone

Ending a pregnancy that's no more than 10 weeks along, when used together with misoprostol (Cytotec)

Pros and Cons for Mifepristone

Pros

No surgery required to end pregnancy
Between 93% and 98% effective at ending pregnancy through 10 weeks
Might be more affordable than a surgery to end pregnancy
Can safely take at home under the care of a certified healthcare provider

Cons

Requires close contact with your healthcare provider to make sure the medication worked
Commonly causes cramps, vaginal bleeding, and nausea
Risk of serious bleeding or infections
Can't take if you have an ectopic pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Mifepristone

Nausea (51-75%)
Weakness (55-58%)
Fever or chills (48%)
Vomiting (37-48%)
Headache (41-44%)
Diarrhea (18-43%)
Dizziness (39-41%)

Warnings for Mifepristone

Serious infection
Serious vaginal bleeding

Prices with our coupons for Korlym vs. Mifepristone

Mifepristone60 tablets / 300mg

$10,261.74$33,115.36

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Mifepristone60 tablets / 300mg

$10,261.74$33,115.36

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Korlym vs. Mifepristone

Korlym

Mifepristone

Summary for Korlym

Indications for Korlym

Pros and Cons for Korlym

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Korlym

Warnings for Korlym

Summary for Mifepristone

Indications for Mifepristone

Pros and Cons for Mifepristone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mifepristone

Warnings for Mifepristone

Prices with our coupons for Korlym vs. Mifepristone

Browse medications by letter

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Korlym

Mifepristone

Summary for Korlym

Indications for Korlym

Pros and Cons for Korlym

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Korlym

Warnings for Korlym

Summary for Mifepristone

Indications for Mifepristone

Pros and Cons for Mifepristone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mifepristone

Warnings for Mifepristone