Orilissa (elagolix) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat pain from endometriosis. The drug comes as a tablet you swallow. It’s usually taken once or twice per day.
Orilissa is used in adult females* to treat moderate to severe pain from endometriosis.
Orilissa contains the active ingredient elagolix. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists.
This article describes the dosages of Orilissa, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about the drug, see this in-depth article.
* In this article we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
The table below highlights the basics of Orilissa’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Condition being treated | Recommended dose | Frequency and duration |
| endometriosis | 150 mg | once daily for up to 24 months |
| endometriosis with moderate liver problems | 150 mg | once daily for up to 6 months |
| endometriosis with dyspareunia (painful intercourse) | 200 mg | twice daily for up to 6 months |
Keep reading to learn more.
What is the form of Orilissa?
Orilissa comes as a tablet you swallow.
What strengths does Orilissa come in?
Orilissa comes in two strengths: 150 mg and 200 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Orilissa?
Your doctor will likely start you on the recommended dosage of Orilissa based on the severity of your condition. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for pain caused by endometriosis
The Orilissa dose your doctor prescribes to treat moderate to severe pain from endometriosis depends on several factors. This includes whether you have other related problems with endometriosis such as dyspareunia or moderate liver problems.
For endometriosis pain, your doctor may start you on 150 mg of Orilissa taken once daily. You’ll likely take this for up to 24 months.
If you have pain from endometriosis and dyspareunia, your doctor will likely start you on 200 mg of Orilissa taken twice per day. You’ll likely take this for up to 6 months.
If you have moderate liver problems, you’ll likely start on 150 mg of Orilissa taken once per day for up to 6 months.
Before you start Orilissa, your doctor will likely have you take a pregnancy test to make sure you’re not pregnant. Orilissa is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Your doctor may also order a bone mineral density test to check your bone strength. This is because Orilissa can cause bone loss which can increase your risk of fractures as you age. They may suggest taking vitamin D and calcium supplements to help prevent bone loss while you’re taking Orilissa.
To learn more about the dosage of Orilissa that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Is Orilissa used long term?
That depends. How long you’ll take Orilissa depends on the severity of your condition and other factors. For example, if you have moderate liver problems, you’ll take Orilissa for up to 6 months. If you take the higher dosage of Orilissa (200 mg) twice daily for endometriosis with dyspareunia, your doctor will also only prescribe the drug for up to 6 months.
In some cases, you may take this drug for up to 24 months. Longer than this is not recommended due to the risk of bone loss with Orilissa.
If you have questions about long-term use of Orilissa, talk with your doctor. They can explain your dosage and how long you’ll likely take the drug.
Dosage adjustments
You may need a dosage adjustment for Orilissa in some cases. If you have moderate liver problems, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dose of Orilissa for a shorter period of time. This is to avoid serious side effects of the drug. If you have serious liver problems, this drug is not recommended.
The dosage of Orilissa you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section just above)
Orilissa comes as a tablet you swallow. You can take the drug with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication more easily.
Always take your dosage exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Orilissa, see this article.
Accessible drug labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you miss your regular dose of Orilissa but it’s still the same day, take it as soon as you remember. Then continue with your regular dosing schedule.
But if you miss your dose and it’s the next day, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Orilissa on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Orilissa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Orilissa
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Orilissa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Orilissa for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Orilissa without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Orilissa exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- Would a higher dose of Orilissa increase my risk of bone loss?
- Should I take vitamin D and calcium supplements during Orilissa treatment?
- Will I need a new prescription if my dosage of Orilissa is changed?
To learn more about Orilissa, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.