Orilissa (elagolix) is a brand-name drug prescribed for endometriosis pain in certain adults. Orilissa comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day.

Orilissa belongs to a drug class called gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists. Orilissa is not available in a generic version.

Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Orilissa, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Orilissa, see this article.

Note: This article describes typical dosages for Orilissa provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Orilissa, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is detailed information about Orilissa’s recommended dosages.

Orilissa form

Orilissa comes as an oral tablet.

Orilissa strengths

Orilissa comes in two strengths: 150 milligrams (mg) and 200 mg.

Typical dosages

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for endometriosis pain

Orilissa is prescribed to treat pain due to endometriosis in adult females.* The typical dosage is 150 mg once per day. (Endometriosis is the atypical growth of uterine tissue outside of the uterus.)

If you experience pain during sex along with endometriosis, your doctor may prescribe 200 mg twice per day.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Long-term treatment

The length of Orilissa treatment depends on your dosage and how your body responds to the drug. If you and your doctor determine that Orilissa is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it as follows:

  • up to 2 years with a dosage of 150 mg once per day
  • up to 6 months with a dosage of 200 mg twice per day

Your doctor will explain how long you can expect to take Orilissa.

The Orilissa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

Dosage adjustments

If you have liver problems, your doctor may lower your Orilissa dosage. They may also lower it if you take certain drugs, such as rifampin (Rimactane) or ketoconazole.

Orilissa comes as an oral tablet that you swallow, with or without food.

Follow your doctor’s directions for how to take Orilissa. They’ll likely have you take your first dose within 7 days after starting your period.

It may be helpful to take Orilissa around the same time of day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Orilissa can work effectively.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Taking Orilissa during pregnancy can cause pregnancy loss and other harmful effects. So if you can become pregnant, your doctor may have you take a pregnancy test before prescribing the drug. You’ll also need to use an effective form of non-hormonal birth control. This is necessary during Orilissa treatment and for 28 days after your last dose. For more information about Orilissa and pregnancy, see this article.

ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERS

Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.

If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Orilissa in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.

If you miss a dose of Orilissa 150 mg, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not take more than one tablet per day.

If you miss a dose of Orilissa 200 mg, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not take more than two tablets per day.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

It’s important that you do not take more Orilissa than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. To learn about Orilissa’s side effects, see this article.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Orilissa

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Orilissa. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Orilissa for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Orilissa without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Orilissa that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Orilissa. These additional articles might be helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.