Korlym (mifepristone)

Abortifacients Oral Tablet

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Mifepristone, a synthetic derivative of the progestin norethindrone, is a progesterone- and glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist.

Mifepristone, a synthetic derivative of the progestin norethindrone, is a progesterone- and glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist. Mifepristone is a selective antagonist of the progesterone receptor at lower dosages and exhibits antiglucocorticoid activity at higher dosages. At higher dosages, mifepristone acts as a glucocorticoid-receptor antagonist but exhibits little affinity for the mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) receptor.

At dosages of 1 mg/kg or higher, mifepristone antagonizes the endometrial and myometrial effects of progesterone in women; dosages of 4.5 mg/kg or higher cause compensatory elevation of corticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol in humans. The drug also has been shown to have weak antiandrogenic activity. Mifepristone exhibits little to no affinity for estrogen, muscarinic, histamine, or monoamine receptors.

Mifepristone binds to the progesterone receptor with greater affinity than progesterone, competitively antagonizing the endometrial and myometrial effects of progesterone and resulting in down-regulation of progesterone-dependent genes. Since the continuance of a viable pregnancy depends on progesterone, detachment of the products of conception and termination of pregnancy result. In addition, mifepristone promotes uterine contractions and softening of the cervix and sensitizes the myometrium to effects of prostaglandins (e.g., misoprostol) that stimulate uterine contractions and expulsion of the products of conception.

In the absence of progesterone, mifepristone acts as a partial progestin agonist.

Mifepristone (Mifeprex(R)) is rapidly absorbed following oral administration and reaches peak plasma concentrations approximately 45 and 90 minutes following single 200- and 600-mg doses, respectively. Time to peak plasma concentration occurs 1-2 and 1-4 hours following single and multiple 600-mg oral doses of mifepristone (Korlym(R)), respectively; peak plasma concentrations of the active metabolites occur 2-8 hours following multiple 600-mg oral doses. Administration with food substantially increases plasma concentrations of mifepristone.

The absolute oral bioavailability of a single 20-mg dose of mifepristone in women of childbearing age is 69%. Mifepristone is 98-99% bound to plasma proteins (mainly albumin and alpha1-acid glycoprotein); binding of the drug and its active metabolites is concentration dependent. Mifepristone and its metabolites are distributed into milk and other tissues, including the CNS.

Mifepristone is extensively metabolized, principally via the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 isoenzyme into 3 known active metabolites. The drug and its metabolites are excreted mainly in feces (83-90%) with smaller amounts excreted in urine (9%). The initial half-life of the drug is 12-72 hours; the terminal elimination half-life is 18 hours.

The half-life following multiple doses of 600 mg daily is 85 hours.

USES: This medication is used to control high blood sugar in people who have a certain condition (Cushing's syndrome), and who have failed surgery or cannot have surgery to correct the condition. Cushing's syndrome is caused by the body producing too much of a certain hormone (cortisol) which can cause glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes. Mifepristone works by blocking the effects of cortisol.

Generic name: mifepristone
Pronunciation: (MIF-e-PRIS-tone)
Drug class: Abortifacients
Therapeutic class: Endocrine

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Korlym:

  • Type 2 Diabetes Adjunct In Cushing's Syndrome

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

Mifepristone is metabolized primarily by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A4. In vitro studies demonstrate that mifepristone inhibits and induces CYP3A. The drug also inhibits CYP isoenzymes 2C8, 2C9, and 2B6 in vitro. In vitro studies indicate potential drug interactions with substrates of CYP isoenzymes 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4.

In vitro studies indicate potential interactions between mifepristone and drugs transported by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP).

Because of the long half-life of mifepristone at steady state, the manufacturer states at least 2 weeks should elapse between discontinuance of mifepristone for management of hyperglycemia secondary to Cushing's syndrome and initiation or dosage increases of any interacting concomitant drugs.

Contraindications

*Mifepristone (Mifeprex(R) and generics) for medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mifepristone, misoprostol, or other prostaglandins. The drug also is contraindicated in patients with confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy, undiagnosed adnexal mass, or intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) currently in place; chronic adrenal failure or concurrent long-term corticosteroid therapy; and hemorrhagic disorders, inherited porphyrias, or concurrent anticoagulant therapy.

*Mifepristone (Korlym(R)) for management of hyperglycemia secondary to Cushing's syndrome is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to mifepristone or any ingredient in the preparation. The drug also is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and women with a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding or endometrial hyperplasia with atypia or endometrial carcinoma. In addition, mifepristone is contraindicated in patients who require concomitant therapy with systemic corticosteroids for serious medical conditions (e.g., immunosuppression after organ transplantation) and in those receiving simvastatin, lovastatin, or other cytochrome P-450 (CYP) isoenzyme 3A substrates with a narrow therapeutic index (see Drug Interactions).

Adverse reactions

Mifepristone (Mifeprex(R)): Vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain/cramping are expected effects when mifepristone is used for termination of pregnancy. Adverse effects occurring in over 15% of patients receiving mifepristone in conjunction with misoprostol for termination of pregnancy in clinical studies include nausea, weakness, fever/chills, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and dizziness.

Mifepristone (Korlym(R)): Adverse effects occurring in 20% or more of patients with Cushing's syndrome receiving mifepristone in the open-label study include nausea, fatigue, headache, hypokalemia, arthralgia, vomiting, peripheral edema, hypertension, dizziness, decreased appetite, and endometrial hypertrophy.

Precautions

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ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Type 2 diabetes adjunct in cushing's syndrome
E08ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition
E08.0ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hyperosmolarity
E08.00ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hyperosmolarity without nonketotic hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar coma (NKHHc)
E08.01ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hyperosmolarity with coma
E08.1ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with ketoacidosis
E08.10ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with ketoacidosis without coma
E08.11ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with ketoacidosis with coma
E08.2ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with kidney complications
E08.21ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic nephropathy
E08.22ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic chronic kidney disease
E08.29ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic kidney complication
E08.3ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with ophthalmic complications
E08.31ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with unspecified diabetic retinopathy
E08.311ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with unspecified diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
E08.319ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with unspecified diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
E08.32ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
E08.321ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
E08.329ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
E08.33ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
E08.331ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
E08.339ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
E08.34ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
E08.341ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
E08.349ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
E08.35ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
E08.351ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with proliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
E08.359ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with proliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema
E08.36ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic cataract
E08.39ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic ophthalmic complication
E08.4ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with neurological complications
E08.40ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic neuropathy, unspecified
E08.41ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic mononeuropathy
E08.42ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic polyneuropathy
E08.43ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic autonomic (poly)neuropathy
E08.44ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic amyotrophy
E08.49ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic neurological complication
E08.5ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with circulatory complications
E08.51ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic peripheral angiopathy without gangrene
E08.52ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic peripheral angiopathy with gangrene
E08.59ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other circulatory complications
E08.6ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other specified complications
E08.61ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic arthropathy
E08.610ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic neuropathic arthropathy
E08.618ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other diabetic arthropathy
E08.62ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with skin complications
E08.620ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with diabetic dermatitis
E08.621ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with foot ulcer
E08.622ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other skin ulcer
E08.628ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other skin complications
E08.63ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with oral complications
E08.630ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with periodontal disease
E08.638ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other oral complications
E08.64ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hypoglycemia
E08.641ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hypoglycemia with coma
E08.649ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hypoglycemia without coma
E08.65ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with hyperglycemia
E08.69ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with other specified complication
E08.8ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition with unspecified complications
E08.9ICD10CMDiabetes mellitus due to underlying condition without complications

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data