Veozah is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes caused by menopause. Its active ingredient is fezolinetant, which is a non-hormonal medication.
Hot flashes happen when the body has sudden changes in temperature control. Veozah works by blocking neurokinin 3 receptors, which are involved in signals in the brain that can trigger hot flashes.
This medication is approved by the FDA for vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. It may be an option for people who cannot use hormone therapy or who prefer a non-hormonal treatment.
Indications for use
Veozah is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.
Vasomotor symptoms are commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats. These symptoms can cause sudden warmth, sweating, flushing, chills, and sleep problems.
Veozah is not a hormone therapy. It is a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist, which means it acts on brain pathways involved in body temperature control.
How to take it
The usual recommended dose of Veozah is 45 mg by mouth once per day.
It can be taken with or without food. The tablet should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, split, or chewed.
Veozah should be taken at around the same time each day to help keep a steady routine. The duration of treatment should be decided by a doctor, based on symptom control, side effects, and liver test results.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as remembered, as long as there are at least 12 hours before the next scheduled dose.
If the next dose is due in less than 12 hours, the missed dose should be skipped. The next dose should be taken at the regular time.
Liver testing during treatment
Blood tests are needed before starting Veozah to check liver function.
Liver tests are also recommended during treatment, especially in the first months of use. Treatment may need to be stopped if liver enzymes become too high or if signs of liver injury appear.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects of Veozah include:
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Abdominal pain
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Diarrhea
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Difficulty sleeping
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Back pain
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Hot flush
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Increased liver enzymes
Some people may have changes in liver blood tests while taking Veozah. For this reason, liver monitoring is an important part of treatment.
Medical care is needed if symptoms of possible liver injury appear, such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
Contraindications for use
Veozah should not be used by people with known cirrhosis.
It is also contraindicated in people with severe kidney impairment or end-stage kidney disease.
Veozah should not be taken with medications that are CYP1A2 inhibitors. These medicines can increase the amount of fezolinetant in the body and raise the risk of side effects.
Warnings and precautions
Veozah may cause liver injury in some people. Liver blood tests are needed before and during treatment to help reduce this risk.
A doctor should review all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting treatment. This is especially important for people with liver disease, kidney disease, or those taking other prescription medicines.
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Veozah is used for symptoms caused by menopause, so it is not intended for use during pregnancy.
There is limited information about use during breastfeeding. A doctor should assess the possible risks and benefits if treatment is being considered while breastfeeding.