Orilissa, also known by its generic name elagolix, is a medication used to treat endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This can lead to pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility. Orilissa works by blocking the production of hormones that stimulate the growth of endometriosis tissue.
Orilissa is taken orally as a tablet once a day. It is usually prescribed for a maximum of 24 months. The dosage of Orilissa prescribed depends on the severity of the endometriosis and whether the patient is taking any other medications that may interact with Orilissa.
The most common side effects of Orilissa are hot flashes, headache, nausea, and mood changes. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, some more serious side effects can occur, such as changes in liver function and a decrease in bone density. Therefore, regular liver and bone density testing is required while taking this medication.
Orilissa should not be taken during pregnancy, and women who are trying to conceive should stop taking it at least one week before attempting to get pregnant. Orilissa can also interact with certain medications such as hormonal contraceptives, and it may decrease the effectiveness of these contraceptives.
Orilissa was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018, and it is the first oral medication approved for the treatment of moderate to severe endometriosis pain in over a decade. Orilissa is manufactured by Abbvie Inc.
Studies have shown that Orilissa is effective in reducing endometriosis pain and improving quality of life for women with endometriosis. In two phase III clinical trials, the medication was shown to significantly reduce endometriosis-associated pain and improve quality of life compared to placebo. Additionally, in a separate phase II clinical trial, Orilissa was shown to reduce endometriosis-associated pain and improve quality of life compared to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), a medication that has been used to treat endometriosis.
In conclusion, Orilissa is an oral medication used to treat endometriosis. It is effective in reducing endometriosis-associated pain and improving quality of life for women with endometriosis. While it has some common side effects, regular testing can catch more serious ones such as liver problems and loss of bone density. It should not be taken during pregnancy or if trying to conceive. If you think Orilissa may be a good fit for you, talk to your doctor.
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