Half a million menopausal women may soon have access to a new daily tablet to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats. This pill, known as fezolinetant or Veoza, can now be prescribed on the NHS as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has approved fezolinetant as a non-hormonal treatment that functions by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain responsible for triggering these symptoms.
Dr. Sue Mann, the national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, expressed that menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can significantly impact a woman’s daily life. She welcomed the availability of this new treatment, especially for those who cannot or choose not to opt for HRT. This presents an essential treatment option for hundreds of thousands of women navigating menopausal symptoms, empowering them to better manage their health.
Astellas Pharma manufactures Veoza, which NICE has found to effectively reduce menopausal symptoms. Individuals with medical conditions like blood clots may be unsuitable for HRT, prompting the need for alternative treatments. Regular liver function monitoring will be necessary for women undergoing treatment with Veoza as it becomes accessible across England.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, highlighted the significant impact that menopausal symptoms can have on quality of life and overall wellbeing. For individuals for whom HRT is not a viable option, the approval of fezolinetant offers much-needed relief.
Menopause marks the cessation of menstrual periods due to declining hormone levels, typically affecting women between the ages of 45 and 55. The NHS recommends lifestyle modifications to help manage menopausal symptoms.