Uses
Orilissa is FDA-approved for the management of moderate to severe endometriosis pain. More specifically, it helps women manage the three most common types of pain associated with endometriosis:
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) Dyspareunia (pain during sex) Non-menstrual pelvic pain (pelvic pain in the time between periods)
Before Taking
If you have been definitively diagnosed with endometriosis—usually after a laparoscopy, your healthcare provider may consider you a good candidate for Orilissa. For your healthcare provider to prescribe this medication would most likely have complained about moderate to severe pain after your diagnosis and other conservative treatments have been tried.
Precautions and Contraindications
Orilissa cannot be used if you:
Are pregnant. The same applies if there is a chance you may be pregnant. Your healthcare provider will likely order a pregnancy test before putting you on Orilissa. Have severe liver disease Have osteoporosis Are taking drugs known as strong OATP1B1 inhibitors. Examples of these drugs are cyclosporine or gemfibrozil. To be on the safe side, run your healthcare provider through all the drugs you’re currently taking.
It is not known whether Orilissa is safe and effective for children below the age of 18.
Dosage
According to the manufacturer, Orilissa is available in two dosages. The first is a 150 milligrams (mg) pill taken once daily (with or without food). The other is a 200 mg Orilissa pill taken twice daily, morning and night, (with or without food).
The appropriate dosage should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your pain severity, liver function status, and other factors your healthcare provider may consider.
All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the right dose for you.
Storage
Orilissa should be stored at temperatures between 36 and 85 F (2 and 30 C). It should be kept away from moisture.
Side Effects
Common
Common side effects of taking Orilissa are:
Hot flashes Night sweats Sleeping difficulties Amenorrhea (absence of periods) Anxiety Mood changes Nausea
Severe
Although rare, there are a few side effects which can be serious, including:
Low estrogen levels, which can lead to loss of bone mineral density. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D supplements while you’re taking Orilissa to counter this side effect and improve your bone health. Suicidal thoughts and behaviorAbnormal liver tests
Warnings and Interactions
You should inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any medication that may cause bone problems. Better yet, you should list all the drugs and supplements you’re currently taking to your healthcare provider, as your healthcare provider will be in the best position to decide if it’s safe to take Orilissa with them.
Orilissa does not prevent pregnancy and should not be used as a form of birth control. You should use non-hormonal birth control options (like condoms) to prevent pregnancy while you’re using Orilissa, because hormonal birth control may make Orilissa less effective.
