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Overview: Crenessity is used to treat a genetic condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It helps balance certain hormone levels in your body. Common side effects include headache, feeling tired, and dizziness. Serious side effects are much less common, but can include allergic reactions or reduced adrenal gland function. Crenessity is available as an oral liquid if you have trouble swallowing the capsules.

Uses

What is Crenessity used for?

Crenessity (crinecerfont) is commonly used to treat classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic problem that affects the adrenal glands, which make hormones. People with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have too much of some hormones (androgens) and not enough of other hormones (cortisol and aldosterone). 

Crenessity may also be taken for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Crenessity work (mechanism of action)?

Crenessity helps to balance hormone levels by lowering the amount of androgens your body makes. 

How is Crenessity supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Crenessity

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50 mg/mL oral solution
  • 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg oral capsules

How should I store Crenessity?

Oral Capsule. Store Crenessity capsules at room temperature, between 59 F and 77 F (15 C to 25 C). Do not freeze.

Oral Liquid. Store unopened Crenessity liquid in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze. After the bottle has been opened, Crenessity liquid can be stored in the original bottle in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C to 8 C), or at room temperature, between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C), for up to 30 days. Keep the bottle upright. Throw away any liquid left in the bottle after 30 days of opening the bottle for the first time.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Crenessity?

The most common side effects of Crenessity are listed below. Side effects can vary based on age. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Joint, muscle, stomach, or back pain
  • Reduced appetite
  • Stuffy nose
  • Nosebleeds

There may be other side effects of Crenessity that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Crenessity?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Crenessity may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Crenessity 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Do not stop or reduce the dose of your glucocorticoid (steroid) medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. This could increase your risk of adrenal insufficiency (when you do not have enough cortisol, the stress hormone). Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Crenessity?

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

  • Crenessity
  • Crinecerfont
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Crenessity before using it?

Do not take Crenessity unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. You should not stop taking Crenessity unless your healthcare provider tells you to. 

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

Keep Crenessity out of the reach of children. Since Crenessity liquid may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

If you take Crenessity liquid, read and follow the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your prescription. Use the oral syringe that comes with your medicine to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions. 

If you take Crenessity capsules, they should be swallowed whole with fluid. Tell your healthcare provider if you have trouble swallowing capsules. 

Follow any instructions from your healthcare provider about adjusting your dose of glucocorticoids (steroids), to lower your risk of having reduced adrenal function. You may need higher steroid doses during times of stress (such as during an illness). Do not adjust your steroid dose or stop your steroid without talking with your healthcare provider. See the Side Effects section for more details.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Crenessity?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Crenessity is right for you.

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

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

  • Kidney problems
  • Fever
  • Planned surgery
  • Severe infection or illness
  • Trauma, such as a car accident

Other Medicines and Supplements. Crenessity may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Crenessity, tell your healthcare 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. It is not known if or how Crenessity could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking Crenessity, tell your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider can contact the company that makes Crenessity by calling 855-276-7489, to collect safety information about the use of Crenessity during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Crenessity passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Crenessity while breastfeeding. If you take Crenessity while you are breastfeeding, monitor your baby for signs of adrenal gland problems, such as weight loss, weakness, and feeding problems. Notify your child’s healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these things. 

How can I get more information about Crenessity?

For more information about Crenessity, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.crenessity.com or call them at 855-CRNSITY (855-276-7489).

Interactions

Does Crenessity interact with foods or drinks?

You should always take Crenessity with a meal. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Crenessity. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Crenessity.

Does Crenessity interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare 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 Crenessity.

  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Crenessity. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Crenessity. Always check with your healthcare 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 Crenessity?

If you or someone else has taken too much Crenessity, 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 Crenessity?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, even if it is almost time for your next dose. Then take your next dose when you normally would.

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