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Orilissa

Generic name: elagolix [ EL-a-GOE-lix ]
Drug class: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2022.

What is Orilissa?

Orilissa binds to the same receptors in the body as a certain hormone that stimulates the production of sex hormones.

Orilissa works by lowering blood levels of estradiol and progesterone (female sex hormones).

Orilissa is used to treat moderate to severe pain caused by endometriosis.

Warnings

Do not use Orilissa if you are pregnant. Elagolix may cause miscarriage.

Hormonal birth control methods (birth control pills, injections, implants) could make Orilissa less effective. Use a condom or diaphragm with spermicide while you are taking elagolix and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

Elagolix can lower your estrogen levels, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis). Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy during and after treatment with this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Orilissa if you are allergic to elagolix, or if:

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Do not use Orilissa if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. This medicine may cause miscarriage.

Orilissa may change your menstrual periods, making it harder for you to know if you are pregnant. Other signs of pregnancy could include breast tenderness, nausea, and weight gain.

Birth control pills can make elagolix less effective. Use a condom or diaphragm with spermicide to prevent pregnancy while using elagolix and for at least 1 week after your last dose.

To make sure Orilissa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Orilissa can lower your estrogen levels, which may cause bone loss (osteoporosis). Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy during and after treatment with this medicine.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take Orilissa?

Take Orilissa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Your dosing schedule may change if you switch to a different strength of this medicine. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not keep leftover Orilissa that is no longer needed. Ask your pharmacist where to locate a drug take-back disposal program. Do not flush the unused tablets down the toilet.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Endometriosis:

150 mg orally once a day for 24 months

For Women with Dyspareunia:
-Consider 200 mg orally twice a day for 6 months

Comments:
-Use lowest effective dose, considering the severity of symptoms and treatment objectives.
-The duration of treatment is limited because of bone loss.

Use: For the management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.

Detailed Orilissa dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose if you remember it later in the day. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Orilissa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Orilissa: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, or thoughts about suicide; or

  • liver problems - nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, easy bruising, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common Orilissa side effects may include:

  • hot flush or night sweats;

  • headache;

  • nausea;

  • insomnia;

  • altered mood;

  • mood swings;

  • missed menstrual periods;

  • depressed mood;

  • anxiety; or

  • joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Orilissa side effects (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Orilissa?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • birth control pills; or

  • birth control injections or implants.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with elagolix, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Orilissa drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Can elagolix be used for the treatment of endometriosis?

Elagolix (brand name: Orilissa) is used to treat moderate to severe endometriosis (endo) pain. Endometriosis is a chronic disease for which there is currently no cure. Elagolix for endometriosis pain was approved by the FDA in June 2018. It works by blocking the effects of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) and reducing estrogen production, which may help to lower your endo pain.

Is elagolix used to treat fibroids?

Elagolix can be used to treat uterine fibroids when it is given as the brand Oriahnn which combines elagolix with estradiol and norethindrone acetate. Elagolix, as the brand Orlissa, is only approved to treat endometriosis-associated pain.

Non-hormonal birth control methods (contraceptives) should be used during treatment with Orilissa (elagolix) and for one week after to prevent pregnancy. Non-hormonal birth control methods include condoms and spermicides. Continue reading

Elagolix is approved to help reduce endometriosis-associated pain, and research has also shown that it can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding in women with fibroids although this is not without side effects. Women with uterine fibroids were treated with Elagolix in addition to hormonal “Add-back” therapy for 6 months. 68.5% in one study and 76.5% in the other reported at least a 50% reduction in menstrual blood loss from the start of the study to the final month and a menstrual blood loss of less than 80mL by the final month of the study. Using Elagolix to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding is an unapproved use for the drug. Continue reading

References

  1. Orilissa Product Label

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Orilissa only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2022 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.