Lifyorli (relacorilant) is used to help chemotherapy work better when treating certain types of cancer. Like most medicines, Lifyorli may cause side effects. Some are more common than others, and some Lifyorli side effects may improve as your body adjusts to treatment.
Keep reading to learn about common side effects of Lifyorli, what you can do to prevent them, what to do if they happen, and when to tell your health care provider.
This article does not include all possible side effects of Lifyorli. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that persist or bother you, even if they are not listed below.
Common Lifyorli Side Effects
The most common side effects reported in clinical studies using Lifyorli include:
- Anemia
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Lower appetite
Sometimes, many of these side effects are temporary and may improve on their own. However, contact your health care provider if you have symptoms that are severe or last a long time. Do not stop taking Lifyorli unless your health care provider recommends it.
Serious Side Effects of Lifyorli
Serious Lifyorli side effects are less common but may include:
- Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and severe infections
- Low levels of your body’s natural stress hormone (cortisol) or adrenal insufficiency
- Allergic reactions
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider right away. In some cases, severe symptoms may require urgent medical care. Your health care provider can look at your symptoms and explain the next steps.
The section below explains common Lifyorli side effects and what you can do to help lessen or get rid of them.
Tips for Managing Lifyorli Side Effects
Some side effects can be managed with simple strategies. As mentioned, this article is not a complete list of Lifyorli’s side effects.
Continue reading to learn more about common side effects caused by Lifyorli and steps to help prevent or manage them.
1. Anemia
Anemia is one of the most common side effects of Lifyorli. In studies, about 12% of people taking Lifyorli needed to pause treatment because of anemia.
Possible symptoms of anemia include: tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.
To lower your risk of anemia or prevent anemia from getting severe:
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Follow any suggestions from your health care provider about taking vitamins or supplements.
- Keep all appointments, especially those for lab tests, so your health care provider can watch for anemia and treat it if necessary before it becomes severe.
Tell your health care provider if your symptoms of anemia get worse or do not go away. They may recommend a treatment for it or pause Lifyorli until your anemia improves. If your symptoms feel severe or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
2. Tiredness
Feeling tired is also one of the most common side effects of Lifyorli. In studies, more than 50% of people taking Lifyorli as part of their cancer treatment reported feeling tired.
These symptoms may improve after your body gets used to the medicine. To help support healthy energy, try the following:
- Get plenty of sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Try to include nutrient-rich foods in every meal.
- Try to get some sort of physical activity regularly. Not being active can actually worsen tiredness.
- Minimize stress. Consider things such as yoga, counseling, or massage therapy.
If tiredness becomes bothersome or interferes with daily activities, contact your health care provider. They may adjust your dose, pause treatment, or review other medicines that may be contributing.
3. Lower appetite
You may experience a decrease in appetite when you take Lifyorli. Cancer itself can also lead to a lower appetite. It happened in more than 20% of people taking Lifyorli in studies.
It is important to try to eat well even if you do not feel like it. Healthy foods help you heal, maintain your strength, and fight feelings of tiredness. Consider these tips if you have a decreased appetite while taking Lifyorli.
- Eat small meals more frequently.
- Eat your favorite foods.
- Make sure you are getting some protein. Protein helps your body repair itself and keeps your immune system healthy.
If these tips do not seem to be enough, ask your health care provider or talk to a dietitian about other ways to make sure you are eating well. If you are really struggling with a decreased appetite, your health care provider may also adjust your Lifyorli dose.
4. Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Lifyorli. In studies, nausea affected 44% of people taking Lifyorli.
Nausea is a feeling that you might throw up, but it does not always lead to vomiting.
Tips to help prevent or ease nausea:
- Plan smaller, more frequent meals (instead of two or three large ones) and stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Avoid high-fat foods, such as cheese and butter, and greasy foods.
- Choose bland foods, such as saline crackers, rice, or toast.
- Sip on clear liquids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
- Try popsicles, jello, ginger or peppermint tea, or even acupressure wristbands.
Note that Lifyorli should be taken with food; this may reduce the risk of nausea. If you throw up after taking Lifyorli, do not take an extra dose. Follow your normal dosing schedule and take your next dose when it is due.
Tell your health care provider if nausea worsens or does not go away. They may recommend medicines to help with nausea.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another common Lifyorli side effect. Symptoms of diarrhea may include loose or watery stools, frequent or urgent bowel movements, and belly pain.
Tips to help manage diarrhea:
- Drink fluids often to prevent dehydration. Opt for water, broth, tea, or apple juice.
- Choose bland foods, such as rice, bananas, or toast.
- Avoid fried or spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Ask your health care provider if an over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medicine may help.
Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration, which is a potentially serious condition. Tell your health care provider if diarrhea is severe or does not go away. If symptoms do not improve, your health care provider may tell you to pause or stop taking Lifyorli.
Reducing Your Risk of Lifyorli Side Effects
You can reduce your risk of side effects by:
- Taking Lifyorli exactly as prescribed; note that it is usually only taken on certain days during your treatment
- Keeping track of any new or changing symptoms and sharing them with your health care provider
- Telling your health care provider about side effects that do not improve or start to interfere with daily activities
- Staying hydrated and trying to follow a balanced diet
- Sharing a complete list of your current medicines, supplements, and OTC products with your health care provider to limit interactions
Your health care provider can help you decide whether changes to your treatment plan are needed.
