Oriahnn: New Drug Approved for Treating Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Women With Uterine Fibroids

Abstract

Objective: To review data of elagolix plus estradiol and norethindrone acetate as add-back therapy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids.

Data sources: Literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS was performed using the search terms Oriahnn; elagolix, estradiol, norethindrone AND heavy menstrual bleeding; elagolix AND heavy menstrual bleeding; and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist AND heavy menstrual bleeding between January 1, 1996, to March 2, 2021. Additional data were obtained from prescribing information, references of identified articles, and abstracts from scientific meetings.

Study selection/data extraction: Clinical trials and articles discussing elagolix plus add-back therapy for the management of HMB in women with leiomyomas were included.

Data synthesis: Phase 3 trials met the primary end point of menstrual blood loss (MBL) less than 80 mL at month 6 and at least a 50% reduction in MBL from baseline to the final month in 68.5% of women taking elagolix plus add-back therapy enrolled in UF-1 (8.7% placebo) and 76.5% of women in UF-2 (10% placebo). The most common adverse effects include hot flushes, nausea, headache, and night sweats.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: Women with symptomatic uterine fibroids can experience significant HMB resulting in distress, depression, and anxiety. Surgical intervention remains the most commonly recommended and chosen treatment. Elagolix plus add-back therapy is a nonsurgical, oral option.

Conclusions: Elagolix plus add-back therapy is effective in reducing menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids. However, there are several warnings and precautions that must be considered.

Keywords: Oriahnn; elagolix plus add-back; gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist; uterine fibroid treatment.