Is Myfembree A Birth Control Pill?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses what the drug Myfembree is used for.
I saw a commercial for Myfembree and wanted to know if that was a kind of birth control pill. I don't like the one I am on and was looking to make a switch.
Oct 12, 2022- Myfembree is not a birth control pill even though it contains some hormones found in contraceptives, because it also includes relugolix which works differently to treat heavy bleeding and endometriosis pain.
- Myfembree does not prevent pregnancy, so you must use a separate form of birth control like condoms while taking it and for one week after stopping.
- Do not take hormonal birth control pills with Myfembree because they can reduce how well Myfembree works and increase side effects.
Answer
Myfembree is not a birth control pill (i.e., oral contraceptive). While it does contain certain hormones that many birth control pills have (e.g., an estrogen and a progestin), it also contains relugolix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Myfembree is used for two indications:
- The management of heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine leiomyomas (fibroids)
- The management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis in premenopausal women
How Does Myfembree Work?
Myfembree contains three drugs:
- Relugolix
- Estradiol
- Norethindrone acetate
Relugolix, the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist contained in Myfembree, reduces bleeding by lowering estradiol and progesterone levels.
Specifically, relugolix binds to pituitary GnRH receptors, which reduces the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This leads to decreased concentrations estradiol and progesterone, and reduced bleeding associated with uterine fibroids and pain associated with endometriosis.
It may seem counterintuitive that Myfembree contains an estrogen and progesterone, but the estradiol and norethindrone in the drug are there in small amounts to limit side effects, such as bone loss, hot flashes, and other risks of low estrogen.
Even though those hormones are there to limit side effects, Myfembree is only recommended to be used for up to 2 years maximum since the side effect of bone loss may not be reversible.
Can You Use Birth Control With Myfembree?
As mentioned, Myfembree is not a birth control pill and does not prevent pregnancy. If you are sexually active, you must use a different form of birth control. Per the Prescribing Information for Myfembree:
MYFEMBREE does not prevent pregnancy. You will need to use effective methods of birth control while taking MYFEMBREE and for 1 week after you stop taking MYFEMBREE. Examples of effective methods can include condoms or spermicide, which do not contain hormones.
Do not take hormonal birth control such as birth control pills because they may increase your side effects and MYFEMBREE may not work as well.
It is important to emphasize that Myfembree should not be used with oral birth control pills as it may make Myfembree less effective.
Final Words
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References & sources
- Myfembree Prescribing Information — Myovant
- Treatment of Uterine Fibroid Symptoms with Relugolix Combination Therapy — New England Journal of Medicine
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist
- A medication that blocks chemical signals in the brain that control reproductive hormone production.
- Uterine leiomyomas
- Noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus, commonly called fibroids.
- Endometriosis
- A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing pain and heavy bleeding.
- Estradiol
- A form of the hormone estrogen that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.
- Pituitary GnRH receptors
- Binding sites in the pituitary gland that respond to brain signals controlling reproductive hormones.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH)
- A reproductive hormone that triggers ovulation and influences hormone production in the ovaries.
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- A reproductive hormone that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs and hormones.
- Norethindrone acetate
- A synthetic form of the hormone progesterone used in medications to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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