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.
