Compare Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Leuprolide (Lupron Depot) and elagolix (Orilissa) are both used to treat endometriosis, but they belong to different medication classes. Leuprolide is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (or activator), while elagolix is a GnRH antagonist (or blocker). Leuprolide is administered as an intramuscular injection, either monthly or every three months, and is also used for uterine fibroids. In contrast, elagolix is typically taken orally once a day and is specifically for moderate-to-severe endometriosis pain. Elagolix is only available as a brand-name medication. Leuprolide is available only as a brand-name medication for endometriosis and uterine fibrois, but other forms of leuprolide are also available for different indications, such as prostate cancer. Common side effects of both medications include hot flashes and headaches, depression, and bone loss. Additionally, both medications can interact with hormonal birth control, so a non-hormonal method of birth control is recommended to prevent pregnancy during treatment if you're able to have children.
- Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)Orilissa (elagolix)
- Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)Orilissa (elagolix)
Summary of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
Summary for GnRH agonistPrescription onlyLeuprolide (Lupron Depot) is an injection that treats endometriosis and uterine fibroids (growths in the womb that are typically noncancerous). It's available in two different strengths to allow for a dosing schedule that's either once a month or once every 3 months. This medication is typically given by a healthcare provider. Common side effects of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) include hot flashes and headaches. It's available as brand name only.
Summary for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonistPrescription onlyOrilissa (elagolix) is a hormone-free medication that's used to help manage moderate-to-severe pain caused by endometriosis. It belongs to a drug class called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. The medication is a tablet that's typically taken by mouth once or twice a day. Common side effects include hot flashes and headaches. It might also raise your risk of mood changes, and very rarely, suicidal thoughts. Orilissa (elagolix) can interact with many medications, including birth control pills.
Indications of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
Indications for•Endometriosis•Before fibroid surgery to help improve anemia due to bleeding from uterine fibroidsIndications for•Moderate-to-severe pain caused by endometriosisPros and Cons of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
Pros and Const for GnRH agonistPros•Only need to get injections monthly or every 3 months, depending on the dose•Works well to shrink uterine fibroids and reduce bleeding before surgery•Works well to relieve pain from endometriosis•Can use together with norethindrone acetate (Aygestin) for endometriosisCons•Available as brand name only•Injections might be uncomfortable•Many possible side effects (most commonly, hot flashes or sweats)•Not safe to use during pregnancyPros and Const for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonistPros•Helps relieve pain due to endometriosis•Doesn't contain hormones•Taken once or twice a dayCons•Might not feel pain relief right away (can take a month or longer)•Risk for bone loss with long-term treatment (can only take the medication for a set amount of time)•Approved for adults onlyCommon Side Effects of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
Common Side Effects forSide effects for the 3.75 mg dose of leuprolide (Lupron Depot) when used by itself are listed below.
Endometriosis
•Hot flashes or sweats (84%)•Headache (32%)•Vaginal inflammation (28%)•Depression (22%)•Pain (19%)•Weight changes (13%)•Nausea or vomiting (13%)•Lower sex drive (11%)•Dizziness (11%)•Acne (10%)•Skin reactions (10%)Uterine fibroids
•Hot flashes or sweats (73%)•Headache (26%)•Vaginal inflammation (11%)•Depression (11%)Common Side Effects for•Hot flash (24-46%)•Headache (17-20%)•Nausea (11-16%)•Trouble sleeping (6-9%)•Missing a menstrual period (4-7%)•Mood swings (5-6%)•Depressed mood (3-6%)•Anxiety (3-5%)•Joint pain (3-5%)Warnings of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
Common Side Effects for•Weakening of bones•Harm to unborn babies•Allergic reaction•Convulsions (seizures)•DepressionCommon Side Effects for•Bone loss•Change in menstrual bleeding pattern and effect on recognizing pregnancy•Suicidal thoughts or behavior or worsened mood problems•Liver damage•Interactions with hormonal birth control•Risk of harm to unborn babyPrices with our coupons for Leuprolide vs. Orilissa
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