Are you also experiencing a lot of discomfort due to heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids? Are you unable to perform your daily tasks properly due to this heavy bleeding that lasts for days, and are you constantly tired and anxious? If so, today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors recommend to treat this condition.
What kind of medicine is this? (ORIAHNN)
This is not actually a single drug, but a combination of three drugs. That is, a capsule containing all three active ingredients, Elagolix, Estradiol, and Norethindrone . You may know this by the brand name `(ORIAHNN)`.
Simply put, this medication is designed to control heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. It may also be prescribed by your doctor for other conditions. So if you have any questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor for clarification.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Especially if you have any of the following medical conditions or risk factors:
| Disease category | Situations to be careful about |
|---|---|
| Heart, blood vessels and blood clots | If you have had heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, blood vessel disease, or blood clotting problems. |
| Cancer risks | If you have had breast, cervical, uterine, or endometrial cancer, or if someone in your family has had it. |
| Other illnesses | Diseases such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, lupus, migraine, osteoporosis, and porphyria. |
| Mental health | Mental illness, depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts (in yourself or someone in your family). |
| Other points | If you are a smoker , have unexplained vaginal bleeding, are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine (elagolix, estrogens, progestins), other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. Swallow it with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. The most important thing is to take the medicine at the same time every day . Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Imagine it's past the time you need to take your medicine.
- If you remember within 4 hours , drink that dose as soon as you remember, and then take your next dose at the scheduled time.
- If it has been more than 4 hours since you last took your dose, skip the missed dose. Skip it and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Some medications can interact with this medicine and cause dangerous conditions. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
| Medicines that should never be taken with this medicine | |
|---|---|
| Aromatase inhibitors (eg, anastrozole, letrozole) | Cyclosporine |
| Enasidenib | Gemfibrozil |
| Other drugs and substances that may cause problems | |
| Medicines for epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) | Some antiviral drugs given for HIV or Hepatitis |
| Tuberculosis drugs like Rifampin | Other hormonal medications (birth control pills, patches) |
| Medications for diabetes | Blood thinners such as Warfarin |
| Grapefruit juice | Many other medications (e.g. citalopram, digoxin, omeprazole) |
Things to consider when taking medication
Avoid smoking!
This is very important. If you smoke while taking this medicine, your risk of blood clots and stroke is much higher. This risk is especially high if you are over 35 years of age. Therefore, it is strongly advised to completely avoid smoking while taking this medicine.
Be careful about osteoporosis.
When this medicine is used for a long time, there is a possibility that the density of the bones will decrease and they will become weak (Osteoporosis). Therefore, do not use this medicine for more than the prescribed period. Also ask your doctor if you need things like calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones strong.
This is not a birth control pill!
This is where many people make a mistake. This medicine does not prevent pregnancy. Therefore, you must use another form of birth control (such as condoms) that does not contain hormones while taking this medicine and for 28 days after stopping the medicine. Avoid getting pregnant during this time. This can cause serious harm to the baby in the womb.
Other important points
- Regular checkups: Your doctor will check you regularly to see how you are doing while you are taking this medicine. This may include breast and pelvic exams.
- Changes in menstrual bleeding: Your menstrual bleeding pattern may change while taking this medication. Some women may even stop having periods altogether while taking this medication.
- Fluid retention: Sometimes your fingers, hands, or ankles may swell. If you feel this way, tell your doctor.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, see your eye doctor if you experience any changes in your vision or discomfort while wearing your lenses.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. | Signs of a blood clot: chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg pain, swelling, or warmth. |
| Symptoms of a stroke: changes in vision, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, sudden severe headache, numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg. | Signs of liver damage: dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme fatigue. |
| Mental changes: severe anxiety, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts. | Other: increased blood pressure, breast changes or discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding, swelling of the ankles/feet. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they are bothersome | |
| Headache | Hot flashes or night sweats |
| Nausea | Hair loss |
| Tiredness | Skipping menstruation |
Take-Home Message
- This medication is used to control heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. Use it only on the advice of your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have before starting the medication.
- Avoid smoking completely. It greatly increases the risk of blood clots and stroke.
- This is not a birth control method. Be sure to use another non-hormonal method of birth control while taking the pill and for 28 days after stopping.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of serious side effects such as blood clots, stroke, liver problems, or severe mental changes.
- This medicine is for your own use only. Never share it with others.
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