FDA approves new pill to reduce pain from endometriosis

TRENTON, N.J. – U.S. regulators have approved a new treatment for pain caused by endometriosis.

The common condition involves abnormal tissue growth from the uterus that can cause pain and infertility.

Drugmaker Abbvie said Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration approved its drug, Orilissa (oh-RAH’-liss-ah), for pain during menstruation and at other times. The company says it’s the first new pill for endometriosis in a decade.

In testing, it significantly reduced menstrual pain in about 45 per cent of women given a low dose and 75 per cent given a high dose, compared to about 20 per cent of women given dummy pills.

The drug works by reducing production of the hormone estrogen. That caused side effects in some participants, including hot flashes and bone thinning.

Orilissa will cost $845 every four weeks without insurance.