Is Myfembree A Birth Control Pill?

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 amount 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.

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