Information about Elagolix

Generic Name : Elagolix
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Elagolix are provided here.

Pronunciation : EL-a-GOE-lix

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Elagolix, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Miscellaneous Endocrine Agents

Trade Names/Brand Names of Elagolix

India :

Orilissa

Why is Elagolix Prescribed? (Indications)

Elagolix tablets are prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis in premenopausal women.

Elagolix helps to reduce the symptoms of menstrual and non-menstrual pelvic pain, and pain that occurs during sexual intercourse.

Elagolix belongs to a class of drug that reduces the female sex hormones called progesterone and estrogen. It is medically a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists that works by blocking the signals of gonadotropin-releasing hormone resulting in suppression of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and thereby reducing blood levels of ovarian sex hormones, progesterone, and estradiol.

When should Elagolix not be taken? (Contraindications)

Elagolix should not be used in patients with-

• Allergic to elagolix
• Pregnancy
• Osteoporosis or increased bone weakness
• Severe liver damage
• Gemfibrozil or cyclosporin treatment
• History of psychosis

Children under the age of 18 years must not be prescribed elagolix due to lack of effectiveness and safety information in these groups.

What is the dosage of Elagolix?

• The recommended dose of elagolix is 150 mg taken once daily for 24 months when it is prescribed for endometriosis condition alone.

• The dose of elagolix can be increased to 200 mg taken two times daily for six months if patients are to be treated for endometriosis and dyspareunia, a condition of severe pain that occurs during intercourse.

• In case of moderate liver disease, the dose of elagolix can be adjusted to 150 mg taken one time daily for six months; taking 200 mg twice daily is not advised in such cases.

• No dose modification is necessary while treating patients with mild liver disease.

• Dose adjustment is also not required in patients with any degree of kidney disease including women on dialysis.

• Take the missed dose of elagolix as early as possible on the same day when remembered and continue with the next scheduled dose on the following day.

• Do not take an extra dose of elagolix to make up for the missed dose which may prove harmful.

How should Elagolix be taken?

• Elagolix is available in a tablet form and should be taken by mouth within one week from the day of menses.

• Tablets of elagolix should be taken at the same time each day either with or without food.

• Taking the lowest but effective dose of elagolix is usually advised, and do not take elagolix longer than the duration for which it is prescribed.

What are the warnings and precautions for Elagolix?

• Perform a pregnancy test before starting on elagolix tablets and initiate the treatment only if the test is negative to avoid the risk of early pregnancy loss.

• Women taking elagolix may experience a change in the pattern of intensity and duration of menstrual bleeding which may minimize the ability to recognize the occurrence of pregnancy early.

• Patients should be advised to be very careful while moving around to avoid the risk of fracture as elagolix can reduce the bone mineral density leading to fragile or weak bones.

• Taking supplements containing calcium and vitamin D during elagolix treatment may be very helpful in strengthening the bones.

• New or worsening of an existing condition of depression and anxiety may occur in patients taking elagolix tablets and the patient must get immediate medical attention if suicidal ideation or behavioral changes occur.

• Liver function should be evaluated regularly during the treatment with elagolix and patients should be advised to consult a doctor immediately if any symptoms or signs of liver damage such as jaundice occur.

• Females of reproductive potential should be advised to use non-hormonal contraceptives during elagolix treatment as hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen can affect elagolix efficacy.

• Continue with non-hormonal contraception for at least one week after taking the last dose of elagolix to avoid unexpected pregnancy.

What are the side effects of Elagolix?

Gastrointestinal: Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation
Nervous system: Suicidal thoughts, mood changes, anxiety, depression, headache, difficulty in sleeping, irritability, dizziness
Others: Nausea, menstrual abnormalities, elevation in liver enzyme levels, jaundice, pain in the joints, night sweats, weight gain, lack of interest in sex

What are the other precautions for Elagolix?

• Cholesterol levels may increase in patients taking elagolix mainly within 1 or 2 months of the treatment; checking the levels of cholesterol during this period is usually advised.

• Do not take elagolix tablets for conditions for which it is not prescribed.

• Never share the medication with another woman without a doctor’s approval even though she has similar symptoms.

• Dispose unused medications safely in a closed household trash or by a community take-back program and do not flush elagolix down the toilet.

What are the Drug Interactions of Elagolix?

• Patients under digoxin therapy when prescribed elagolix should be carefully monitored as elagolix may increase the availability of digoxin in the blood which can result in serious side effects.

• Rifampin may increase the effect of elagolix when taken together and lead to loss of bone rigidity.

• Elagolix may result in loss of effectiveness of midazolam or rosuvastatin when taken together. In such cases, the dose of midazolam and rosuvastatin can be increased based on patient’s response.