Veozah (Fezolinetant) is a prescription medication used to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause. Veozah reduces the number and severity of day and night hot flashes. Menopause disrupts the balance between estrogen hormones and a brain chemical called neurokinin B (NKB) that works to regulate the body’s temperature, leading to vasomotor symptoms. Veozah is a non-hormonal medicine. The active ingredient in Veozah is Fezolinetant. Fezolinetant belongs to a class of drugs called neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonists. It works by blocking NKB in the temperature control center of the brain. This restores the balance between estrogen and NKB to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
In a study (Breakthrough in women's health: A new nonhormone therapy for vasomotor symptoms – July 2023), S Lederman, FD Ottery, A Cano, found that "oral fezolinetant was associated with improved quality of life, including reduced VMS-related interference with daily life".
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Veozah from Canada manufactured by Astellas Pharma in the strength of 45 mg tablets (currently unavailable). The generic Fezolinetant is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Veozah. The most common side effects of Veozah may include the following:
• Diarrhea;
• Hot flashes;
• Insomnia;
• Stomach pain
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Increased liver blood test values;
• Symptoms of liver problems like nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right stomach
These are not all the side effects of Veozah. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Veozah if you are allergic to Fezolinetant or any ingredient in Veozah. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Are taking certain medicines called CYP1A2 inhibitors;
• Have liver cirrhosis;
• Have kidney problems
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Veozah and CYP1A2 inhibitors like fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, mexiletine, acyclovir, cimetidine, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Veozah is indicated for use only in menopausal women. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is unknown if Fezolinetant passes into breast milk and if it will harm a nursing infant. Take Veozah precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take one tablet by mouth with or without food at about the same time every day. Swallow the tablet whole with liquid. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Veozah may cause liver problems. Your doctor will do a blood test to check your liver before you start treatment. You will also do the blood test at month 3, month 6, and month 9, after you start taking Veozah. Store at room temperature between 200C – 250C and away from children.
Does Veozah contain estrogen? Veozah is not a hormone and does not contain estrogen. Veozah contains the active ingredient fezolinant which works with your brain chemistry to help your body regulate hot flashes and night sweats.
When is the best time to take Veozah tablets? Veozah should be taken once a day with or without food at the same time each day.
How does Veozah work? Veozah works to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by restoring the balance between estrogen and NKB by blocking NKB in the temperature control center of the brain.