What Is Mifepristone 300 mg (Korlym)?

Korlym is a brand-name prescription medication. The active ingredient in this product is mifepristone, which belongs to a drug class called cortisol receptor blockers. The FDA approved Korlym in 2012 to control hyperglycemia secondary to endogenous Cushing’s syndrome in adults with type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance who are not candidates for surgery or whose surgery has not been successful.  

Cushing’s syndrome results from prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar, metabolism, blood pressure, and the body’s response to stress. When cortisol levels remain too high over time, they can increase blood sugar levels and contribute to type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance. 

Korlym may be prescribed to control high blood sugar in adults when they:

• Have endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (too high cortisol levels usually due to  tumors or enlarged growth on adrenal or pituitary glands)
• Have type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance 
• Cannot have surgery or if surgery is ineffective

This medication comes as light yellow to yellow, oval-shaped tablets to take by mouth. Each tablet contains 300 mg of mifepristone. 

Korlym is not recommended for use in patients with type 2 diabetes originating from Cushing’s syndrome.