Elagolix

USES:

Elagolix is mainly used by women to treat pain (moderate to severe) caused by endometriosis. Symptoms associated with this condition (endometriosis) may include painful periods, pain before and during intercourse, abnormal/heavy menstrual periods, infertility.

IUPAC name: 4-[[(1R)-2-[5-(2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-[[2-fluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]-4-methyl-2,6-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl]-1-phenylethyl]amino]butanoic acid

Drug class: GnRH receptor antagonist

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

This medication acts by inhibiting the GnRH which induces the production of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, thereby the production of estrogens (sex hormones) is reduced. Hence symptoms of endometriosis can be reduced.

Side effects

Some common side effects may include:

• nausea/vomiting
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• difficulty in sleeping
• irregular menstrual periods

Some serious side effects may include:

• mood changes (depression, anxiety)
• pain in stomach
• dark urine
• jaundice
• pain in joints
• bone loss
• skin rash/itch

Precautions

Tell your doctor, before using this drug:

If you are allergic to it or other medication.

If you have a medical history of osteoporosis (bone loss), depression, liver disease.

Avoid the use of this drug during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus.