Orilissa is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain due to endometriosis. It contains the active ingredient elagolix and is taken orally in either once or twice daily doses. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Orilissa can be effective at reducing endometriosis-related pain.
However, its use may also come witOrilissah a range of mild or serious side effects, such as hot flashes, night sweats, headache, nausea, insomnia, joint pain, diarrhea, weight gain, mood changes and more.
In this article, we will examine the uses of Orilissa cost and its associated risks and benefits in greater detail.
Overview
This overview provides an introduction to the medication Orilissa, including its uses, potential side effects, costs, and more. Orilissa is a drug used to treat moderate or severe pain caused by endometriosis. It contains the drug Elagolix and is not available as a generic drug. The dosage of Orilissa will be recommended by a doctor and is available in 150mg and 200mg strengths. Healthcare professionals may recommend taking a vitamin D and calcium supplement to support bone health while taking Orilissa.
Mild side effects of Orilissa may go away within a few days or weeks but serious side effects include mood changes, liver injury, bone loss, and allergic reactions. Orilissa cost can vary depending on insurance coverage and pharmacy used.
Impact on fertility is one important consideration when considering treatment with Orilissa as it can cause periods to stop or bleed less frequently; however, this usually resumes within 1-6 months after stopping treatment. Additionally, long-term effects should be discussed with the healthcare professional before starting treatment as there are known risks associated with bone loss if taken for longer than 24 months or twice daily for longer than 6 months.
Alternatives to Orilissa should also be considered such as surgery or home remedies; however, these alternatives have their own set of risks associated with them that must be discussed before deciding on any type of treatment plan for endometriosis pain relief.
Patient experiences are varied when taking this medication which makes it difficult to determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks in each case; therefore research updates should be monitored closely so that informed decisions can be made regarding safety concerns related to the use of this medication over time. Furthermore, patients must talk to their doctor about all medications they’re taking before starting treatment with Orilissa due to its ability to interact with other drugs.
Uses and Mechanism
Elagolix, the active ingredient in Orilissa, works by blocking the release of certain hormones made by the body, including follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which decreases tissue buildup outside the uterus. As a result, it can provide relief from moderate to severe endometriosis pain and is approved as an endometriosis treatment option.
Benefits associated with taking elagolix include:
- Reducing estrogen levels in women helps alleviate tissue growth outside the uterus
- Blockage of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormones that reduce endometriosis symptoms
- Relief from moderate to severe pain caused by endometriosis
The effects of elagolix may take up to three months to be noticed and it should not be taken for more than 24 months or 6 months if taken twice daily or with liver problems. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take Orilissa and nonhormonal birth control should be used while taking this medication due to its potential risks. Patients should talk to their doctor about any questions or concerns they have about taking Orilissa before starting treatment.
Side Effects and Risks
Taking Orilissa may result in side effects, some of which can be mild or serious, and it is important to be aware of the risks associated with this medication. Mild side effects such as night sweats, hot flashes, headache, nausea, insomnia and joint pain may go away within a few days or weeks. Serious side effects include mood changes, liver injury, bone loss and allergic reactions.
To help prevent bone loss while taking Orilissa for long-term use, healthcare professionals may recommend taking a vitamin D and calcium supplement. Additionally, missed doses should not be taken twice to make up for the missed dose; instead, they should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next dose.
Weight gain is another possible side effect of Orilissa but is not common. Those who experience weight gain are encouraged to talk to their doctor about how best to manage it. Furthermore, patients should also discuss all other medications they are currently taking with their doctor since Orilissa may interact negatively with them. It is also important that patients do not take more than what their physician prescribes as this can lead to serious health complications and adverse reactions.
Pregnant women or those breastfeeding should avoid taking Orilissa because it has not been studied in these populations yet and could cause harm if used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing age using this drug must also use nonhormonal contraceptives during treatment due to its potential for causing birth defects if taken while pregnant. Patients considering taking Orilissa should speak with their healthcare provider about any questions regarding the potential risks before starting treatment.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of Orilissa is recommended by a doctor and can vary depending on the individual needs of the patient. Common dosages are available in 150mg and 200mg strengths, and it is typically taken once or twice a day for the treatment of endometriosis pain. The timing of doses should be spaced evenly throughout the day, as taking too much at once may increase the risk of serious side effects. Healthcare professionals may adjust the dosage based on efficacy and safety concerns depending on individual circumstances.
Potential interactions between Orilissa and other medications should be considered before starting treatment, so patients should tell their doctor about all medications they are currently taking. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next dose; in this case, skip the missed dose. Patients should never take more than what has been prescribed by their doctor, as doing so can lead to serious side effects.
Birth control methods that contain estrogen should not be used while taking Orilissa since they can make this medication less effective and increase certain risks related to estrogen levels in the body. It is also important to note that pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should not take Orilissa due to potential health risks associated with use during these periods.
Patients who have any questions or concerns regarding usage should talk to their healthcare provider before starting treatment with Orilissa.
Orilissa Cost and Coverage
The Orilissa cost can vary depending on insurance coverage and the pharmacy used. Out-of-pocket expenses for the medication may be higher if a patient does not have insurance or their insurance does not cover the drug. In some cases, Medicaid options or financial assistance programs may be available to help with the Orilissa cost.
When it comes to insurance coverage, many health plans will cover part or all of the Orilissa cost, but patients should check with their provider before starting treatment. The out-of-pocket expense for Orilissa can range from $100 to $500 per month without insurance, depending on where it is purchased and the dosage strength prescribed.
Generic versions of elagolix are not currently available in the United States, which means that any discounts normally associated with generic medications do not apply to this particular drug. However, there are still options for people who need financial assistance to afford Orilissa cost such as reduced co-pays through a manufacturer’s coupon program or government subsidies for low-income individuals.
Additionally, PolarBearMeds.com offers large discounts and Orilissa cost for people that are paying out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Orilissa to start working?
Orilissa is a medication used to treat moderate or severe pain caused by endometriosis. The drug elagolix, which is contained in Orilissa, works by blocking the release of certain hormones made by the body, including follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. This decreases the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body which can lead to decreased tissue buildup outside the uterus.
It may take up to 3 months for some people to experience a decrease in their endometriosis pain when taking Orilissa at an appropriate dosage. Taking too much Orilissa can increase side effects and reduce the efficacy rate, so it is important to follow proper dosing instructions from a healthcare professional.
Additionally, it is important to consider the long-term effects of taking Orilissa such as bone loss and liver injury as well as managing any drug interactions that may occur with other medications.
Can I take Orilissa while pregnant or breastfeeding?
When managing symptoms of endometriosis, it is important to discuss the risks associated with taking Orilissa while pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medication has not been tested in pregnant women and should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Women should seek alternatives to manage their pain, such as home remedies or surgery, and research any available safety information before taking Orilissa.
It is recommended to identify reliable sources for this information, such as healthcare professionals and the manufacturer’s website, which has a video library of patient stories and reviews.
Is Orilissa safe to take if I have osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone mineral density, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures. Orilissa, a medication used to treat moderate or severe pain caused by endometriosis, has not been studied specifically in patients with osteoporosis. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with one’s doctor before taking this medication if they have osteoporosis.
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and alternative therapies may also help reduce symptoms associated with endometriosis and osteoporosis. Patients should also be aware of the potential long-term effects of taking Orilissa as well as any other medications prescribed for these conditions.
Are there any other treatments for endometriosis pain besides Orilissa?
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue normally found lining the uterus grows outside of the uterus, causing moderate to severe pain.
While Orilissa is one treatment option for endometriosis pain, there are other treatments available such as alternative therapies, lifestyle changes, diet modifications, hormonal therapy, and surgery options.
Alternative therapies may include yoga or acupuncture, while lifestyle changes may involve exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.
Diet modifications may entail eating anti-inflammatory foods or avoiding certain triggers that can worsen endometriosis symptoms.
Hormonal therapy includes using oral contraceptives or gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) analogs to reduce estrogen levels in the body.
Surgery options include laparoscopic excision or laser ablation to remove endometrial implants from areas where they do not belong.
Patients should speak with their doctor about all available treatments before making a decision on which one best suits their needs.
What are the potential interactions between Orilissa and other medications?
The potential interactions between Orilissa and other medications should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Drug interactions may occur when taking Orilissa in combination with other medication, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements.
In addition to the risks of drug interactions, lifestyle changes and personal experiences may also affect the overall effectiveness of Orilissa for pain relief. Treatment options for endometriosis pain include both hormonal and nonhormonal therapies, such as surgery or home remedies.
It is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor before beginning any new regimen for endometriosis pain relief.
