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Elagolix

Pronounced

"EL-a-GOE-lix"

Common brand names:

Orilissa

Uses

This medication is used by women to help relieve moderate to severe pain due to a condition called endometriosis. Endometriosis is the growth of tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb (uterus) in a different place, such as on the outside surface of the uterus, on the ovaries, or on other organs. This condition may cause symptoms such as painful/heavy/irregular menstrual periods, pain during or after sex, or infertility. Elagolix works by decreasing your body's production of certain hormones (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), which leads to lower amounts of female sex hormones (estrogens). These lower levels may help decrease some symptoms of endometriosis.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking elagolix and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

To make sure you are not pregnant, your doctor may do a pregnancy test before you start taking this medication, or tell you to start taking it within 7 days after the start of your menstrual period. Start taking this medication only when directed by your doctor.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other drugs you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To lessen the risk of bone loss, this medication is usually taken for up to 6 months or up to 24 months. Talk with your doctor for details.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.