Elagolix sodium

Elagolix sodium is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH antagonist) used for the treatment of endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It is marketed under the brand name Orilissa by AbbVie Inc. and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018.

Pharmacology

Elagolix sodium works by binding to and inhibiting the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, thereby reducing the production of estrogen in the body. This reduction in estrogen levels can help to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, which are often exacerbated by high levels of this hormone.

Clinical Use

Elagolix sodium is used primarily for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis and heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids in premenopausal women. It is taken orally, usually once or twice daily.

Side Effects

Common side effects of elagolix sodium include hot flashes, headache, nausea, insomnia, and mood changes. More serious side effects can include bone loss and changes in menstrual bleeding patterns.

Development and Approval

Elagolix sodium was developed by Neurocrine Biosciences and later licensed to AbbVie Inc. for further development and commercialization. It was approved by the FDA in July 2018, making it the first oral GnRH antagonist to be approved for the treatment of endometriosis pain.

See Also

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• AbbVie Inc.