Mifepristone pills for Cushing's syndrome? Let's talk about this!

Do you have Cushing Syndrome ? Or does someone you know have this condition? What happens in this case is that our body produces more of the hormone cortisol than necessary, which causes the blood sugar level , that is, glucose, to increase. So, one of the medicines that doctors recommend at times like this is Mifepristone. Today, we will talk about these Mifepristone pills in detail.

What kind of medicine is Mifepristone?

Simply put, Mifepristone pills are mainly used to control blood glucose levels in the case of Cushing's Syndrome , a condition that occurs when the hormone cortisol in your body increases too much.

Do you know that this hormone called cortisol is indispensable for our body? When we are stressed, our body prepares itself to deal with it through this hormone. For example, when the body needs more energy immediately, this cortisol helps to release more sugar into the blood. However, when this increases uncontrollably, various problems arise. Mifepristone pills reduce the effect of the cortisol hormone, thereby reducing the blood sugar level.

This medication may sometimes be prescribed by doctors for other conditions. Therefore, if you are not sure exactly what this medication is for, it is best to ask your doctor or the pharmacist at the pharmacy where you pick up your medication. This medication is also known in the market by the brand name Korlym .

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?

Before you start using Mifepristone tablets, there are some important things you should definitely tell your doctor. Because, people with certain medical conditions or those taking other medications should be very careful when giving Mifepristone. See if the following applies to you:

• Do you have a bleeding disorder?
• Do you currently have cancer or are you undergoing treatment for it?
• Do you suffer from a mental illness like depression ?
• Do you have another type of diabetes unrelated to Cushing's disease?
• Heart diseaseDo you have heart disease?
• Do you have high blood pressure ?
• Do you have any liver disease?
• Have doctors told you that your blood potassium level is low?
• Have you ever had an organ transplant?
• Are you currently taking steroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone?
• Do you have unexplained vaginal bleeding?
• Have you ever had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, any other medicine, food, food dyes, or preservatives?
• Are you currently trying to get pregnant? Or are you already pregnant?
• Are you a breastfeeding mother? (Breast-feeding)

If you have a condition like this, it's best to tell your doctor about it without hiding anything .

How should I use this medicine?

These Mifepristone tablets should be taken with water. It is very important to take this medicine at the same time every day , as directed on the prescription label. Do not break, crush, or chew these tablets. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Another important thing is that this medicine should be taken with food. Also, do not take this medicine with grapefruit juice for any reason. You should continue to use this medicine as directed until your doctor tells you to stop.

When you are given this medicine by the pharmacy, you will be given a leaflet with special instructions about this medicine, called a MedGuide . It is very important to read and understand this MedGuide leaflet carefully each time you take the medicine, and when you get a refill.

If you are giving this medicine to young children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it, as it may require special medical supervision and care.

What to do if you overdose?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the nearest poison control center or the emergency room of a public hospital for advice.

Also remember: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend or family member for any reason, even if they have the same symptoms as you.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a Mifepristone pill one day, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take double or extra doses, that is, take both the missed dose and the one you should have taken at the same time. Doing so increases the risk of side effects.

What other medications should not be taken with this medicine?

If you are currently taking any of the following medications, never take them together with Mifepristone. These can cause serious, dangerous interactions that can be life-threatening:

• Some medications used to treat fungal infections, for example, fluconazole, ketoconazole, and posaconazole.
• Some medications are prescribed to lower blood cholesterol levels, for example lovastatin and simvastatin.
• Cisapride
• Cyclosporine
• Dronedarone
• Ergot alkaloids, for example, dihydroergotamine and ergotamine.
• Fentanyl
• Pimozide
• Quinidine
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Thioridazine

This list is not exhaustive, so it is very important to tell your doctor about every medication you take, even vitamins.

Other medications and things that may interact

There are other medications and things that can interact with Mifepristone, so it's a good idea to be aware of these as well:

• Some types of antibiotics, for example clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin.
• Some antiviral medications are given for HIV infection or liver diseases like hepatitis.
• Medicines used to treat nervous system conditions such as seizures, for example carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital.
• Some medications that prevent blood clotting, for example warfarin.
• Conivaptan
• Grapefruit juice – As mentioned before, this is something that is not good to consume while taking Mifepristone.
• Hormonal birth control pills, injections, patches and devices containing hormones.
• Itraconazole
• Medications for mental conditions such as depression or severe anxiety.
• Some narcotic medications are given as painkillers.
• Other medications that can cause an abnormal heart rhythm, such as those that prolong the QT interval.
• Repaglinide
• Rifabutin, Rifampin, Rifapentine.
• St. John's wort is an herbal supplement.
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone.
• Thyroid hormones.
• Voriconazole.

This list may not be all-inclusive. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you are taking . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. These can interact with the Mifepristone you are taking.

What are the things to be careful about when taking this medicine?

While you are taking Mifepristone, you will need to see your doctor for regular check-ups to monitor your health. Your doctor may also recommend that you have some blood work done.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medication.

Keep the special instructions leaflet for this medicine, called MedGuide, carefully. If you need emergency medical care, show the MedGuide leaflet to the medical team. Also tell them that you are taking Mifepristone.

Things to be especially careful about for women:

• You should take a pregnancy test to confirm whether you are pregnant before starting this Mifepristone medication. Do not become pregnant while taking this medication or for one month after stopping the medication.
• If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can cause serious side effects in an unborn baby. Ask your doctor for more information.
• You must use effective birth control while taking Mifepristone. Non-hormonal birth control is best while taking this medication and for one month after stopping the medication. Talk to your doctor about the best way to prevent pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

For breastfeeding mothers: Do not breastfeed your baby while taking this Mifepristone medication.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like all medicines, Mifepristone can cause some side effects. There are some side effects that you should tell your doctor immediately if they occur. They are:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. These can be dangerous.
• Heart rhythm changes: fast heartbeat or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing.
• For women: Irregular menstrual cycles or unusual bleeding (spotting) during menstruation.
• Symptoms of adrenal gland dysfunction: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness.
• Symptoms of low potassium levels in the blood: muscle pain or cramps, feeling weak or unusually tired, fast or irregular heartbeat, constipation.

The side effects listed below are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.

This list does not include all possible side effects of Mifepristone. If you experience any unusual symptoms, tell your doctor. You can also report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store my medicine?

Keep this Mifepristone medicine in a safe place out of the reach of small children and pets . Store it at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Check the expiration date on the medicine and never use any medicine that has expired. Dispose of it properly.

How do you dispose of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired without harming the environment?

• Some pharmacies or hospitals have medication take-back programs. If possible, take your medication to one of these places. You can find out more about this at your pharmacy or local public health inspectorate.
• If there is no way to return it, check the medicine packet or the instructions inside to see if it should be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you can throw them in the trash, take the pills out of the bottle or packet, mix them well with used cat litter, some soil, ground coffee grounds, or other similar unwanted material. Then, place this mixture in a resealable polythene bag or plastic container, seal it well, and throw it in the trash.

Finally, things to remember

Okay, so now you understand that Mifepristone is an important medication that can help control blood sugar levels for someone like you who has Cushing Syndrome. But you also see that there are many things to be very careful about when using it.

In particular, it is very, very important to clearly tell your doctor about other medications you are taking and other illnesses you have, to take the medicine exactly as the doctor says, at the time and in the amount prescribed, to be aware of possible side effects, and to be especially careful about pregnancy and birth control.

If you have any questions or doubts about this medicine, never hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist at the pharmacy to resolve them. Remember, your health is very important to you!

` Mifepristone, Cushing's syndrome, cortisol, blood sugar, adrenal gland, drug interactions, side effects