For 15 years, I suffered through painful periods, pain with sex, and severe pelvic pain. It's important for women like me to feel like they can speak up."
Shawna K.
WHAT IS
ENDOMETRIOSIS
An estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age has endometriosis
Want to hear how one of these women took on her endo pain?
See her storyEndometriosis is a chronic and painful disease that is more common than you might think. Here’s a quick refresher on the inner workings of endometriosis.
Tap the numbers in the diagram below to learn more.
1. When endometriosis occurs
Endometriosis occurs when endometrium (tissue that acts like the lining of your uterus) starts growing outside of your uterus, where it doesn’t belong.
2. Lesions
The endometrial-like tissue that grows outside of your uterus is called a lesion or an implant.
3. Estrogen levels
When estrogen levels rise, these lesions (patches of endometrial-like tissue) can grow. Later in the menstrual cycle, they may break down and shed. This can cause pain throughout the month.
4. Impact of Estrogen on lesions
These lesions are fueled by a sex hormone called estrogen.
The location of lesions can affect symptoms, but the extent of the disease doesn't necessarily relate directly to the level of pain experienced.
Endometriosis lesions are most commonly found in the pelvic area on organs like:
- Ovaries
- Fallopian tubes
- Bladder
- Bowels
- Intestines
- Rectovaginal septum (structure separating vagina and the rectum)
- Perineum
Though the exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, most scientists think it relates to a process called retrograde menstruation. That’s when tissue that lines the inside of your uterus flows out in the wrong direction—through your fallopian tubes—during your period. The out-of-place tissue can cause pain and inflammation as it starts growing on surfaces and organs in your pelvic region.
There are other possible theories as to what can cause endometriosis, such as:
- The immune system not destroying endometrium cells outside of the uterus the way it should
- Metaplasia—where normal cells in the pelvic area change into endometrial cells
- Endometrial cells forming outside of the uterus before birth. During puberty, these cells form endometrial lesions
Some lesions can even form their own nerves or scar tissue (called adhesions) between organs, which can cause pain. Although rare, lesions are sometimes found in areas further away from the pelvic area.
Endometriosis is sometimes categorized into 4 stages (from 1, which is minimal, to 4, which is severe). Each stage is based on location, amount, depth, and size of lesions. The pain associated with endometriosis may not be related to the stage of the disease. For example, a woman with Stage 1 of endometriosis could have significant pain or very mild pain.
Learn about ORILISSA
ORILISSA is a pill developed for the management of moderate to severe endometriosis pain.
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See ORILISSA in action
Want to know how ORILISSA works? Watch a video to learn more about how ORILISSA works in your body.
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Ask about ORILISSA
Think ORILISSA may be right for you? It’s time to talk to your gynecologist! Create a guide to help you explain your pain more easily at your next gynecologist's appointment.
Explain your painUSE
ORILISSA® (elagolix) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. It is not known if ORILISSA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about ORILISSA?
ORILISSA may cause serious side effects, including bone loss and effects on pregnancy:
- Bone Loss (decreased Bone Mineral Density [BMD])
While you are taking ORILISSA, your estrogen levels will be low. This can lead to BMD loss. Your BMD may improve after stopping ORILISSA, but may not recover completely. It is unknown if these bone changes could increase your risk for broken bones as you age. Your healthcare provider (HCP) may order a DXA scan to check your BMD. - Effects on Pregnancy
Do not take ORILISSA if you are trying to become or are pregnant, as your risk for early pregnancy loss may increase. If you think you are pregnant, stop taking ORILISSA right away and call your HCP. ORILISSA may change your menstrual periods (irregular bleeding or spotting, a decrease in menstrual bleeding, or no bleeding at all), making it hard to know if you are pregnant. Watch for other signs of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, weight gain, and nausea. ORILISSA does not prevent pregnancy. You will need to use effective hormone-free birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) while taking ORILISSA and for one week after stopping ORILISSA. Birth control pills that contain estrogen may make ORILISSA less effective. It is unknown how well ORILISSA works while on progestin-only birth control.
Do not take ORILISSA if you:
- Are or may be pregnant, have osteoporosis, have severe liver disease, or take medicines known as strong OATP1B1 inhibitors, such as cyclosporine or gemfibrozil. If you are unsure if you are taking one of these medicines, ask your HCP.
What should I tell my HCP before taking ORILISSA?
Tell your HCP about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- Have or have had broken bones, have other conditions, or take medicines that may cause bone problems; have or have had depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; have liver problems; think you may be pregnant; or are breastfeeding or plan to be. It is unknown if ORILISSA passes into breast milk. Talk to your HCP about the best way to feed your baby if you take ORILISSA.
Tell your HCP about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your HCP if you take birth control pills. Your HCP may advise you to change the pills you take or your method of birth control.
What are the possible side effects of ORILISSA?
ORILISSA can cause serious side effects including:
- Suicidal thoughts, actions, or behavior, and worsening of mood. Call your HCP right away, or call 911 if an emergency, if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or bother you: thoughts about suicide or dying, try to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood. You or your caregiver should pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
- Abnormal liver tests. Call your HCP right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark amber-colored urine, feeling tired, nausea and vomiting, generalized swelling, right upper stomach area pain, or bruising easily.
The most common side effects of ORILISSA include: hot flashes or night sweats, headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, absence of periods, anxiety, joint pain, depression, and mood changes.
These are not all of the possible side effects of ORILISSA. This is the most important information to know about ORILISSA. For more information, talk to your doctor or HCP.
Take ORILISSA exactly as your HCP tells you. Tell your HCP if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your HCP for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.
If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.
US-ORIL-200129
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.