Anyone who has suffered from endometriosis knows how excruciating and debilitating the pain can be. Your doctor may have prescribed you the pill Elagolix to help manage your pain. You may have heard of it under the brand name Orilissa. So today, let's talk about what this medication is, how it affects the body, and what you need to be especially careful about while using it.
What is Elagolix?
Simply put, Elagolix is a pill that is given to control the pain caused by endometriosis. Now you might be wondering how this will reduce the pain. Our body, especially the female body, produces a hormone called estrogen. This hormone affects the severity of endometriosis. So, what this Elagolix pill does is reduce the amount of estrogen and other hormones produced in the body. Then the pain caused by endometriosis is gradually controlled.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, it is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history. So, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- If you have depression or another mental health problem.
- If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts in the past.
- If you have any liver disease .
- If you have osteoporosis , a disease that causes bones to become weak.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Elagolix or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
This information will be very helpful to your doctor in determining the dosage of the medicine and avoiding any potential risks to you.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is very important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Take this pill with a glass of water.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. Make this a habit.
- You can take this before or after a meal. However, if you feel an upset stomach after taking the medicine, it is better to take it with food.
- Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking it at your own discretion.
- When you are given medication, you will receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) with it. Always read it carefully.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital, Colombo, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking, as some medications can interact with Elagolix and cause adverse effects.
| Possible interactions with Elagolix | |
|---|---|
| ❌ Do not take these with anything | |
| Cyclosporine | Enasidenib |
| Gemfibrozil | Trofinetide |
| ⚠️ These may interact - tell your doctor | |
| Some medications for HIV or Hepatitis | Citalopram |
| Digoxin | Medications containing estrogen or progestin hormones (such as birth control pills) |
| Methadone | Midazolam |
| Omeprazole | Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis) |
| Rosuvastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) | |
The most important thing is to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you take. Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be especially careful about while taking the medicine
It is important to pay attention to changes in your body while taking this medication.
1. Weak Bones
Because Elagolix reduces the hormone estrogen, long-term use can cause bone loss and weakening. This is called osteoporosis . So, do not take this medicine for longer than your doctor tells you to. Also talk to your doctor about eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.
2. Changes in mental health
This is very important. Some people taking this medication may experience changes in their mental health. You or your family should watch out for these symptoms:
- Depression: New onset or worsening of existing depression.
- Suicidal thoughts .
- Sudden agitation, restlessness, irritability, and aggressive behavior.
- Difficulty sleeping.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
3. Menstrual changes
Your menstrual cycle may become irregular while taking this medicine. Many people may even stop having periods completely while taking the medicine. This is normal, so don't worry.
4. Pregnancy and birth control
Very important: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, it can cause serious birth defects in your baby. Therefore, avoid having sex while taking this medicine and for 28 days after stopping the medicine.It is imperative to use a reliable birth control method.
If you are taking birth control pills (containing estrogen/progestin), Elagolix may make them less effective. Therefore, it is important to use a barrier method, such as a condom, in addition. Talk to your doctor about this and choose the best birth control method.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Elagolix can cause some side effects.
| Side effect | What to do |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you have any of these, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Symptoms of liver damage - pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, extreme fatigue. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Mental health changes - suicidal thoughts, increased depression, severe mood changes. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| 🙂 Usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Anxiety | If these persist or bother you, talk to your doctor. |
| Headache | |
| Feeling of increased body heat (Hot flashes) | |
| Joint pain | |
| Nausea | |
| Trouble sleeping | |
How do you keep medicine safe?
It is also very important to keep your medication safe.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Do not use expired medicine.
- Safely dispose of unused or expired medications. You can ask your doctor about programs available for this.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of Elagolix. Remember, talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Take-Home Message
- Elagolix is a medication used to treat endometriosis pain. It works by reducing the levels of the hormone estrogen in the body.
- Before taking this medication, tell your doctor your complete health history, especially mental health problems and liver disease.
- If you experience any changes in your mental state (especially suicidal thoughts) while taking this medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid getting pregnant while taking this. It is imperative to use a reliable form of birth control (such as a condom).
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of medication without your doctor's advice.
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