The FDA has approved elagolix (Orilissa – AbbVie), an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, for management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.

MECHANISM OF ACTION — Elagolix competitively binds to pituitary GnRH receptors, inhibiting GnRH signaling, reducing pituitary secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), and decreasing ovarian production of estradiol and progesterone.

ENDOMETRIOSIS — Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects up to 10% of reproductive-age women. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, generally in the pelvic cavity, but distant migration can occur. Clinical features include dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and infertility. Pain associated with endometriosis adversely affects daily activities and ... more      

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