Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder that is caused by overproduction of cortisol. Now, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of the drug namely Korlym for the treatment of high blood sugar in patients of Cushing’s syndrome.
In a clinical trial, almost 50 individuals apparently experienced improvement in their blood sugar levels in the course of Korlym treatment. Some patients also seemed to encounter reductions in their insulin requirements following treatment with this medication.
This drug does not restrict the production of cortisol but functions by lowering the side-effects of excess cortisol such as high blood sugar levels. The drug seemingly impeded the binding of cortisol to its receptor, thereby alleviating its influences to some degree.
Some of the side effects of the medication are inclusive of headache, tiredness, nausea, arthralgia, swelling of the extremities, decreased appetite, dizziness and vomiting. Many patients were also known to experience vaginal bleeding, possibility of heart conduction abnormalities, low potassium levels and adrenal insufficiency.
Pregnant women are not supposed to use Korlym, the scientists stated. The drug has been approved for patients suffering from Cushing’s syndrome along with type 2 diabetes or glucose intolerance. Also, the medicine can be used only for patients who are not applicable for surgeries or those with null response to operations.
The team cautions that certain drugs when used in conjunction with Korlym may increase the drug level. Therefore, health care professionals must be careful while using specific drugs in combination with the treatment.
Corcept Therapeutics is the manufacturer of Korlym.