Up to 90% of women will experience symptoms when going through menopause (1), and for a quarter of these, menopause symptoms are debilitating. This is why it’s so important that there are effective treatment options available.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a first-line treatment for menopause symptoms, but it isn’t suitable, or preferable, for everyone. Fortunately, there are non-hormonal alternatives.
Veozah is a relatively new option. It was licensed in the UK in December 2023 and became available for prescription in January 2024(2).
In this article, we discuss what Veozah is, how it works and things to consider about this medication so that you can make an informed choice about what’s best for your health and well-being when it comes to managing menopause symptoms.
What is Veozah?
Veozah (fezonlinetant) is a non-hormonal neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist prescription medication designed to reduce moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) (2). The most common vasomotor symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats, experienced by up to 80% of women (1).
Vasomotor symptoms are characterised by:
- Hot flushes: episodes of intense heat, sweating and flushing primarily felt in the head, neck, chest and upper back
- Night sweats: Intense sweating during sleep that can soak through your clothes and bedding
- Heart palpitations
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive perspiration
- Flushed or blotchy skin
- Chills
It is not designed to treat other menopause symptoms, such as:
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of libido
- Urinary problems
- Skin changes
- Joint and muscle aches
Learn more about other symptoms of menopause.
How does Veozah work?
As a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist, Veozah works by specifically blocking neurokinin B (NKB). NKB is a chemical that binds to receptors in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature (3).
During menopause, when NKB binds to receptors in the hypothalamus, it triggers hot flushes and night sweats. Veozah blocks NKB from these receptors, effectively reducing VMS (3).
Does Veozah actually work?
Deciding to start a medication can be a big deal, especially when you are hoping it is going to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. The good news is that there is plenty of evidence that demonstrates that Veozah is highly effective.
Clinical trial results
One study, which included over 1000 women taking Veozah, found that:
- The frequency of hot flushes was halved by week 4 compared to being reduced by a third with a placebo.
- By week 12, participants taking Veozah experienced 61% fewer hot flushes compared to 35% with a placebo.
- The severity of vasomotor symptoms was reduced, on average, from moderate/severe to mild/moderate (4).
A reduction in vasomotor symptoms can begin within the first week of taking Veozah (5). In other clinical trials, women reported up to a 75% drop in the frequency of hot flushes within 4 weeks, with its effectiveness increasing over time and women experiencing optimal relief between weeks 12 and 16 (6).
Comparison to HRT effectiveness
HRT is deemed the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats, with up to 90% of vasomotor symptoms disappearing completely within 3 months (5). In comparison, Veozah reduces them by around 60%.
Find out more about hormone replacement therapy.
Real patient experiences
Sometimes, it can be really helpful to hear from other women who have used a certain medication to understand its real-life impact.
There have been multiple insights from women who describe Veozah as “life-changing”:
"I have suffered with severe hot flushes and night sweats for almost 7 years. I tried everything possible with the exception of hormone therapy because breast cancer runs in my family. On to Veozah. After my very first dose, the hot flushes and night sweats were gone. I have been taking it for one month and no side effects. This medication has literally been life changing.(7)"
How to take Veozah
A key consideration for any menopause symptom treatment is its practicalities and how well it will fit into your day-to-day lifestyle.
Veozah comes in 45mg oral tablets. The typical dosage is one tablet per day, taken at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to be swallowed with a liquid, such as water.
If a dose is missed or not taken at the usual time, it’s advised to take the dose as soon as possible unless there are fewer than 12 hours until the next scheduled dose (8).
NHS vs private prescriptions
Currently, Veozah is only available in the UK via private prescription and is not currently available on the NHS. A NICE review is in progress to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Veozah, with an expected publication date of the 21st of May 2025 (9).
How much does Veozah cost in the UK?
As with all private medications, the cost of Veozah can vary from one prescriber to another. The average cost is around £60 per pack, excluding any dispensing fees.
At Menopause Care, Veozah is priced at £52 per pack. However, with our all-in-one menopause care plan, up to £90 of each prescription is covered every three months.
Prescription requirements
You cannot purchase Veozah without a valid prescription from a private healthcare professional. Before being prescribed this medication, your doctor will need to review your full medical history and a discussion of your menopause symptoms to confirm it is a suitable treatment.
Who can and cannot take Veozah
Veozah can be used in adults to treat vasomotor symptoms. However, it isn’t suitable for everyone.
It isn’t recommended if you:
- Have cirrhosis of the liver
- Have severe kidney problems
- Are sensitive or allergic to any of its ingredients
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have breast cancer and are undergoing treatment
- Are using oestrogen HRT (excluding local vaginal preparations) (10)
Further, Veozah has not been studied in women with previous breast cancer or seizure disorders, so any decision to use it in these circumstances should be based on an assessment of the risks and benefits (10).
What medications should not be taken with Veozah?
If you are taking any medication that inhibits CYP1A2, an enzyme important in breaking down and processing many medications, Veozah isn’t recommended (10). Examples of such medications include:
- Cimetidine
- Fluvoxamine
- Mexiletine (11)
Veozah currently has no reports of interacting with:
- Vitamins
- Herbs
- Foods
- Vaccines (11)
Veozah side effects and monitoring
The most common side effects of Veozah are:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Hot flushes (3)
It can also cause serious side effects, including liver problems. You must stop taking Veozah if you develop any of the following associated symptoms:
- Increased tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Pale faeces
- Dark urine
- Stomach pain (3)
Liver function testing requirements
Due to the increased risk of liver problems, patients are typically required to have a liver function blood test before being prescribed Veozah, with follow-up tests every month for the first 3 months and again at 6 and 9 months (12).
Is Veozah right for you?
Ultimately, the decision to start Veozah should be made following consultation with a specialist based on your unique circumstances and preferences.
Veozah vs HRT
While there is a significant difference in effectiveness between the two treatment options, Veozah is a viable non-hormonal option for those who don’t wish to use a hormone-based therapy or when HRT isn’t recommended due to medical history or existing conditions.
Other key points to consider when comparing Veozah and HRT include:
- How they work
- How they are taken
- Availability
- Cost
- Monitoring requirements
- Risks and benefits
Review the risks and benefits of HRT.
Discussing options with your doctor
When discussing menopause symptom treatment options with your doctor, you can expect the following:
- A review of your symptoms, their severity, and how they affect your daily life.
- Discussion of different treatment options, including hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications like Veozah, and lifestyle changes.
- Consideration of your medical history, including any risks or conditions that may influence treatment choices.
- Information on potential side effects and benefits of each option.
- A personalised plan that aligns with your health needs and preferences.
It can be helpful to prepare by noting your symptoms and any concerns you have before your appointment.
Booking a specialist consultation
Deciding whether to start Veozah is a personal choice, and the right treatment varies for everyone. An experienced menopause doctor can help you understand your options, weigh the benefits and risks, and find a plan that suits your health and lifestyle. For expert guidance and support, book a consultation with a menopause doctor.
¹What is the menopause? (August 2023)
⁷Veozah Reviews & Ratings - Drugs.com (May 2024)
⁹¹¹Veozah Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others (February 2024)
