Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Myfembree
- GNRH Antagonist;
- Estrogens/Progestins
Description
Relugolix
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist; binds to and blocks GnRH receptors in the anterior pituitary gland
Blocking GnRH receptors decreases the release of gonadotropins (ie, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone), thereby decreasing the downstream production of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries in women
Estradiol and norethindrone
Estradiol: Addition of exogenous estradiol may reduce the increase in bone resorption and resultant bone loss that can occur due to a decrease in circulating estrogen concentrations from relugolix alone
Norethindrone: Protect the uterus from the potential adverse endometrial effects of unopposed estrogen
Indications
Fixed-dose combination tablet indicated for management of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) in premenopausal women
Indicated for moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis in premenopausal females
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Osteoporosis
Current or history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive malignancies
Hepatic impairment or disease
Undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding
Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
Adverse Effects
Uterine fibroids
- Hot flush, hyperhidrosis, or night sweats (10.6%)
- Increased total cholesterol 130 to <160 mg/dL (9.3%)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding (6.3%)
- Alopecia (3.5%)
- Libido decreased (3.1%)
- Irritability (2-3%)
- Dyspepsia (2-3%)
- Breast cyst (2-3%)
- Depression (2.4%)
- Irritability (2.4%)
- Increased total cholesterol >240 mg/dL (1.7%)
- Increased total cholesterol 160 to <190 mg/dL (1.5%)
- Anxiety (1.2%)
Endometriosis pain
- Headache (33%)
- Increased total cholesterol (200 to <240 mg/dL) (13.6%)
- Vasomotor symptoms (13.2%)
- Mood disorders (9.1%)
- Abnormal uterine bleeding (6.7%)
- Nausea (6%)
- Back pain (4.8%)
- Decreased sexual desire and arousal (4.3%)
- Arthralgia (3.6%)
- Fatigue (3.1%)
- Dizziness (3.1%)
- Diarrhea (2.4%)
- Peripheral edema (2.2%)
- Vulvovaginal dryness (2.2%)
Warnings
Immediately discontinue if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs
Studies among estrogen users suggest a small increased relative risk of developing gallbladder disease; discontinue therapy if signs or symptoms of gallbladder disease or jaundice occur; assess the risk-benefit of continuing therapy for women with a history of cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy
New or worsening hypertension occurred; continue to monitor blood pressure (BP) and stop therapy if BP rises significantly
Women may experience amenorrhea or a reduction in the amount, intensity, or duration of menstrual bleeding, which may delay the ability to recognize pregnancy; perform pregnancy testing if pregnancy is suspected and discontinue treatment if pregnancy is confirmed
Based on animal studies and mechanism of action, early pregnancy loss may occur
Uterine fibroid prolapse and uterine fibroid expulsion reported; advise women with known or suspected submucosal uterine fibroids about the possibility of uterine fibroid prolapse or expulsion and to contact their physician if severe bleeding and/or cramping occur during treatment
Discontinue therapy if a hormone-sensitive malignancy is diagnosed; surveillance measures in accordance with standard of care (eg, breast examinations, mammography) are recommended; use of estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin has been reported to result in an increase in abnormal mammograms requiring further evaluation
Pregnancy and Lactation
Contraindicated
Based on findings from animal studies and its mechanism of action, early pregnancy loss may occur
Discontinue if pregnancy occurs during treatment
There are no data on presence of relugolix or its metabolites in human milk, effects on the breastfed children, or effects on milk production
Maximum Dosage
Uterine Fibroids
Fixed-dose combination tablet indicated for management of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) in premenopausal women
Take 1 tablet (relugolix 40 mg/estradiol 1 mg/norethindrone 0.5 mg) PO qDay
Start as early as possible after onset of menses but no later than 7 days after menses has started
Recommended total duration of treatment is 24 months
Endometriosis Pain
Indicated for moderate-to-severe pain associated with endometriosis in premenopausal females
Take 1 tablet (relugolix 40 mg/estradiol 1 mg/norethindrone 0.5 mg) PO qDay
Start as early as possible after onset of menses, but no later than 7 days after menses has started
Recommended total duration of treatment is 24 months
How supplied
Relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone
tablet
- 40mg/1mg/0.5mg