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Overview: Lifyorli is a capsule you swallow that is used with a chemotherapy medicine to treat certain types of cancer. It helps your immune system and the chemotherapy work better. Common side effects can include tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, rash, and decreased appetite. Serious side effects are less common but may include infections and reduced adrenal function. Contact your health care provider right away if you have a fever, weakness, confusion, worsening nausea or vomiting, or feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Uses

What is Lifyorli used for?

Lifyorli (relacorilant) is commonly used with paclitaxel protein-bound (Abraxane), which is a chemotherapy medicine, to treat certain people with the following types of cancer.

Lifyorli for Cancer: How It Works and What to Expect

Lifyorli may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Lifyorli work (mechanism of action)?

Lifyorli works by temporarily blocking glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). Normally, cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) binds to these receptors. When cortisol binds to GRs, it lowers certain immune response signals. By blocking GRs, Lifyorli activates the immune system and helps certain chemotherapy medicines work better. Using Lifyorli with paclitaxel protein-bound seems to do a better job of killing cancer cells and slowing tumor growth than the chemotherapy alone.

How is Lifyorli supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lifyorli

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg oral capsules
  • 100 mg oral capsules

How should I store Lifyorli?

Lifyorli should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Only remove Lifyorli from the blister pack when you are ready to take it. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lifyorli?

The most common side effects of Lifyorli are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Decreased hemoglobin levels (anemia)
  • Low neutrophil levels (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)
  • Rash
  • Decreased appetite

There may be other side effects of Lifyorli that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Lifyorli?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Lifyorli are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lifyorli may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lifyorli and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia) and Infections. Lifyorli may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Keep all appointments for blood work before you start and while you are taking Lifyorli. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Fever, chills, sweats, or muscle aches
  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing, or coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Confusion

Reduced Adrenal Function. Lifyorli can reduce the effect of cortisol (the stress hormone) in your body. This can lead to adrenal insufficiency, which may require you to be admitted to the hospital and can be life threatening. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Worsening nausea or vomiting
  • Worsening weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Worsening decreased appetite or weight loss
  • Dizzy or lightheaded
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lifyorli?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lifyorli.

  • Lifyorli
  • Relacorilant
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lifyorli.

Use of Corticosteroids for Life-Threatening Conditions. You should not take Lifyorli if you use a corticosteroid medicine (by mouth or by injection) for a condition that could be life threatening. A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions. Lifyorli could make the corticosteroid not work as well, which could worsen your life-threatening condition. If you are not sure whether you use a corticosteroid or why you use it, talk to your health care provider. 

What should I know about Lifyorli before using it?

Do not take Lifyorli unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed and follow the directions on the blister pack. If you are not sure how to take it, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider. 

Do not share Lifyorli with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Lifyorli out of the reach of children.

Take Lifyorli with food. 

Do not crush, chew, dissolve, or split Lifyorli. You should swallow the capsules whole. 

If you can get your partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are taking Lifyorli and for 1 week after your last dose. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Your health care provider will likely check lab work before and while you are taking Lifyorli. Keep all of your appointments, including lab work appointments, while you are taking Lifyorli. Your health care provider will use your lab work results to see how well Lifyorli is working and monitor for side effects. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Lifyorli?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Lifyorli is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Had surgery in the last 30 days or need to have surgery
  • Liver problems

Use of Corticosteroids. Lifyorli may make corticosteroid medicines not work as well, and vice versa. If you use a corticosteroid with Lifyorli, your health care provider may need to monitor you more closely. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns. Tell your health care provider if the symptoms of the condition you take your corticosteroid for gets worse.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lifyorli may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Lifyorli, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Lifyorli may cause harm to a fetus. Your health care provider will likely have you take a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before you start taking Lifyorli. You should use effective birth control while you are taking Lifyorli and for 1 week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you get pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking Lifyorli. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lifyorli passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while you are taking Lifyorli and for 1 week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Lifyorli?

For more information about Lifyorli, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.lifyorli.com or call them at 85-LIFYORLI (855-439-6754).

Interactions

Does Lifyorli interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Lifyorli and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lifyorli, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does Lifyorli interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Lifyorli.

  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Pioglitazone (Actos), which is a medicine for diabetes

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Lifyorli, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This is not a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lifyorli. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lifyorli?

If you or someone else has used too much Lifyorli, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lifyorli?

If you miss a dose and it has been less than 12 hours since you should have taken it, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been 12 hours or more since your dose was due, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you normally should. Do not take double or extra doses. 

Do not take an extra dose if you vomit after taking Lifyorli.