NON-HORMONAL TREATMENT

Fezolinetant (Veozah)

*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Doctor of Pharmacy Audrey Hou, PharmD, CMPP

Fezolinetant, marketed under the brand name Veozah, is a significant advancement in the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fezolinetant as the first neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist. Doctor of Pharmacy and therapeutic expert, Audrey Hou, explains how Fezolinetant provides a novel, non-hormonal option for women experiencing these prevalent menopause symptoms.

How Fezolinetant Works

Fezolinetant functions by targeting and inhibiting NK3 receptors in the brain, which are involved in the body’s temperature regulation. This action reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats by addressing the neurological basis of these symptoms, without the need for hormone supplementation.

Potential Benefits of Fezolinetant for Menopause

• Non-Hormonal Therapy: Fezolinetant offers an essential treatment alternative for women who are unable or choose not to use hormone therapy, including those with a history of vaginal bleeding, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, or liver disease.
• Focused Symptom Relief: Specifically designed to alleviate moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats, fezolinetant can significantly improve the quality of life for menopausal women.

Usage and Considerations

Fezolinetant is taken orally, with the recommended dosage being one 45 milligram pill once daily, with or without food. Consistency in taking fezolinetant at the same time each day is key to maintaining its therapeutic effects. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless there is <12 hours to the scheduled next dose, with normal dosing resuming the following day.

Side Effects and Considerations

Reported side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, back pain, hot flushes, and elevated hepatic transaminases. Fezolinetant carries a warning for potential liver injury, necessitating liver function tests before starting the medication and routine blood monitoring every three months for the first nine months. The use of fezolinetant with CYP1A2 inhibitors is contraindicated, and it is not recommended for patients with known cirrhosis, severe renal damage, or end-stage renal disease. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure you aren’t taking any contraindicated medications.

Conclusion

Fezolinetant (Veozah) introduces an innovative approach to managing menopause symptoms, offering effective relief for hot flashes and night sweats without relying on hormone therapy. This approval marks a critical development in the care of menopausal women, expanding the range of available treatment options. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine if Fezolinetant is suitable for individual health needs and conditions.

Reference:

1. VEOZAH [package insert]. Northbrook IL: Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; 2023. Accessed: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/216578s000lbl.pdf

The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.