Drug
Elagolix
Pronounced
"EL-a-GOE-lix"
Side Effects
Nausea, trouble sleeping, hot flashes, night sweats, headache, or menstrual period changes may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as new or worsening depression, anxiety, unusual changes in behavior), signs of liver damage (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: thoughts of suicide.
This medication lowers estrogen levels in your body. Low estrogen levels can lead to bone loss. The risk is increased with higher doses or with longer use of this medication. Some bone loss may be permanent, so you should take this medication at the lowest effective dose. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medication, and ask about taking calcium supplements and vitamin D for bone health.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking elagolix, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, bone loss (osteoporosis), mental/mood disorders (such as depression).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. Elagolix may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, spermicide) while using this medication and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment. Because this medication affects menstruation, it may be harder to tell if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.