Veoza

What is Veoza?

Veoza is a daily, non-hormonal menopause treatment that’s available on prescription to treat the most common menopause symptoms, hot flushes and night sweats. Veoza tablets do not contain any man-made or natural hormones, so they may be suitable for women who cannot or choose not to take more traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Instead, its active ingredient, fezolinetant, acts on the brain region responsible for vasomotor symptoms.

How Does Veoza Work?

Veoza works by blocking a protein called neurokinin B (NKB) from binding to its receptors in the brain. Neurokinin B is responsible for regulating the body’s temperature control centre. Known as an NK3 receptor agonist, Veoza effectively attaches to NK3 receptors, preventing the protein from binding, thereby alleviating potential symptoms.

Usually, neurokinin B works in conjunction with oestrogen to regulate body temperature and maintain balance. However, during menopause, oestrogen levels fall, and neurokinin B increases, causing vasomotor symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. By binding to NK3 receptors, Veoza can lower body temperature and reduce the frequency and intensity of vasomotor menopause symptoms.

How Long Does Veoza Take to Work?

Veoza can start working to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats in as little as one week after starting treatment. However, it can take up to 12 weeks to feel the full benefits of the medication.

Veoza Effectiveness for Menopause

A study published in The Lancet in 2023 investigated the efficacy and safety of fezolinetant for treating vasomotor symptoms of menopause. The results showed that, compared to a placebo, fezolinetant 30 mg and 45 mg significantly reduced the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms at week 4. There were improvements in symptoms after one week of treatment, which were maintained throughout the 52-week study.

A follow-up trial called SKYLIGHT 2 found that 45 mg of fezolinetant resulted in an average 55% reduction in daily vasomotor symptoms after 4 weeks, compared to 51% for 30 mg of fezolinetant and 33.6% for placebo. During the trial, just 1% of participants given 45 mg of Veoza reported serious adverse effects, suggesting that Veoza is both effective and well-tolerated.

A systematic review published in 2024 found that fezolinetant improves menopause-specific quality of life at 4 and 12 weeks and reduces the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms.

How to Take Veoza

Take one Veoza 45 mg tablet each day, with or without food. You should swallow it whole with a drink. To get the best results, you should:

• Take Veoza at the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole with fluid, preferably a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.
• Take the tablet with or without food.

Veoza should always be taken exactly as advised. If you are unsure, consult your clinician for guidance.

What If You Forget to Take Veoza Tablets

If you forget to take your Veoza tablet when you should, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, provided there are at least 12 hours remaining until your next dose. If not, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule the following day. Never take a double dose to try to catch up.

If you miss several doses, speak to your doctor and follow their advice.

If You Take Too Much Veoza

If you take too many Veoza tablets, or if somebody else accidentally takes them, contact your clinician or doctor straight away. You may experience symptoms such as nausea, headaches, or a tingling or prickling sensation (paraesthesia).

Stopping Veoza Treatment

Always consult a doctor or clinician before stopping Veoza tablets. They will be able to discuss your options with you and recommend potential alternatives.

Side Effects and Cautions

Veoza can cause side effects, and it is important that you understand the potential adverse effects and cautions before taking this medication, so that you know what to look out for and when you should seek medical advice. If you are concerned about any Veoza side effects, speak to your clinician.

Common Side Effects of Veoza

Veoza tablets can cause several common side effects, though some people may not experience anything. In clinical trials, these adverse reactions were shown to affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Increase in the levels of certain enzymes in blood tests (such as ALT or AST)

If you experience any side effects of Veoza treatment, talk to your clinician or doctor. You can also report them via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

Serious Veoza Side Effects

Some side effects of Veoza can be serious. If you experience any of the following, tell your doctor immediately, as they could be signs of liver injury:

• Tiredness
• Itching skin
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Light-coloured stools
• Loss of appetite and/or stomach ache
• Dark urine
• Nausea or vomiting

More information regarding Veoza side effects can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication.

Veoza Warnings and Interactions

Veoza may not be suitable for everyone. It is important that you let your clinician know about any other health conditions you have before starting treatment. This will help them assess if Veoza is suitable for you. There are some conditions that can make Veoza unsuitable or potentially unsafe.

Do not take Veoza if you:

• Are allergic to fezolinetant or any other ingredients listed in the medication
• Take any medicines known as moderate or strong CYP1A2 inhibitors, such as contraceptives containing ethinylestradiol, or mexiletine, enoxacin, or fluvoxamine
• Are pregnant or think you might be

If you are unsure about any of the above or if they occur for the first time when taking Veoza, stop taking it and speak to your clinician.

Precautions Before Taking Veoza

Before taking Veoza, you should let your clinician know if you:

• Have liver problems or liver disease
• Have kidney problems
• Have or have had breast cancer or another oestrogen-related cancer
• Already take oestrogen-containing hormone replacement therapy
• Have a history of seizures

This is to help them determine if the medication is suitable for your circumstances.

You will also need to carry out a liver function test before starting Veoza treatment. This should be repeated each month during the first three months of taking the medication, and at regular intervals afterwards, if required by a clinician.

Veoza Tablets and Other Medicines

It’s important that you inform your prescriber of any other medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter products or herbal remedies. Certain medicines can also increase the risk of Veoza side effects and must not be taken alongside the treatment. These include:

• Fluvoxamine (for depression and anxiety)
• Enoxacin (used to treat infections)
• Mexiletine (for muscle stiffness)
• Contraceptives that include ethinyl oestradiol (including Lucette, Rigevidon, and Yasmin)

If you are ever unsure about whether it’s suitable to take Veoza, consult your clinician for advice.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Veoza is only intended for menopausal women. If you become pregnant while taking Veoza, stop taking it straight away and let your doctor know. If you are of childbearing potential when taking the medication, you should also use effective non-hormonal contraception.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veoza Tablets