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Compare Leuprolide vs. Orilissa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)
    Orilissa (elagolix)
  • Leuprolide (Lupron Depot)
    Orilissa (elagolix)

  • Summary of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa

    Summary for GnRH agonist
    Prescription only

    Leuprolide (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) antagonist
    Prescription only

    Orilissa (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 fibroids
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe pain caused by endometriosis

  • Pros and Cons of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa

    Pros and Const for GnRH agonist
    Pros
    •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 endometriosis
    Cons
    •Available as brand name only
    •Injections might be uncomfortable
    •Many possible side effects (most commonly, hot flashes or sweats)
    •Not safe to use during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist
    Pros
    •Helps relieve pain due to endometriosis
    •Doesn't contain hormones
    •Taken once or twice a day
    Cons
    •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 only

  • Common Side Effects of Leuprolide vs. Orilissa

    Common Side Effects for

    Side 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)
    •Depression
    Common 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 baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Leuprolide vs. Orilissa

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    Learn more about Orilissa

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