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Veozah is a nonhormonal medication that prevents menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Clinical studies have shown that Veozah can reduce hot flashes by more than 50%.
If you're in menopause and experiencing hot flashes, welcome to the club. Approximately 80% of menopausal women 1,2,3 experience hot flashes. Hot flashes can be extremely unsettling and can impact your overall quality of life4 in many ways including:
- Poor sleep quality
- Fatigue
- Distraction during work
- Poorer overall health
To address this common concern, Astella Pharma Inc recently announced the approval of Veozah by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for hot flashes and night sweats experienced during menopause.
So, what’s the key information to know about Veozah? Here’s what we know now about Veozah for hot flashes and/or night sweats and what the medication can do.
1.) Veozah does not contain estrogen
Veozah is not a hormone and does not contain estrogen. Unlike menopause hormone therapy which contains estrogen, Veozah contains the active ingredient fezolinant which works with your brain chemistry to help your body regulate hot flashes and night sweats.
During menopause, the absence of estrogen can lead to a greater proportion of the brain chemical neurokinin 3 (NK3) and this can trigger a disruption in the brain's ability to regulate body temperature. The active ingredient in Veozah effectively blocks NK3, restoring the balance with estrogen and resulting in fewer and less severe hot flashes.
2.) Approved by the FDA to treat hot flashes
Veozah joins the list of treatment options available to women experiencing hot flashes during menopause.
In addition to Veozah, the FDA has approved hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and paroxetine for hot flash treatment. However, HRT carries serious risks and may not be suitable for all women. Veozah presents a potential alternative for those who do not want or cannot take HRT.
Certain lifestyle changes can also contribute to reducing the frequency of hot flashes. Avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine has proven to be beneficial. Additionally, the North American Menopause Society suggests that meditation can serve as a helpful tool for managing hot flashes.
Frequently asked questions
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What causes hot flashes?
Hot flashes are caused by declining levels of estrogen in menopause. They probably start in the brain - in the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. Hot flashes can seemingly come out of nowhere, or possibly be triggered by alcohol, caffeine, and diet.
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How can I stop hot flashes fast?
There are several FDA-approved medications for hot flashes. These medications are well-studied and backed by clinical data. HRT can reduce hot flashes by about 17 per week. Paroxetine can reduce hot flashes by about 50%. Veozah is a new drug for hot flashes and can reduce hot flashes by about 7 per day. Your body’s individual response to each of these medications may vary.
3.) Studies show that Veozah can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes
The manufacturer of Veozah conducted clinical studies which showed that Veozah reduced the frequency of hot flashes by more than 50% compared to a placebo. The severity of hot flashes was reduced as well.
In one group of women, the frequency of hot flashes was reduced from approximately 10 per day to approximately 4 per day, and in another group, from approximately 12 per day to approximately 4 per day 5.
Change in frequency of hot flashes (Group 1)
| Week | Veozah Group 1 | Placebo Group 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | 10.4 daily hot flashes | 10.5 daily hot flashes |
| Week 4 | 5 daily hot flashes | 7.2 daily hot flashes |
| Week 12 | 4 daily hot flashes | 6.6 daily hot flashes |
Change in frequency of hot flashes (Group 2)
| Week | Veozah Group 2 | Placebo Group 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Week 0 | 11.8 daily hot flashes | 11.6 daily hot flashes |
| Week 4 | 5.5 daily hot flashes | 8.1 daily hot flashes |
| Week 12 | 4.3 daily hot flashes | 6.6 daily hot flashes |
So how does this compare to HRT? Comparing Veozah to HRT requires further studies to establish a fair assessment of their respective effectiveness. According to one analysis of hormone replacement therapy, taking hormone replacement therapy can lead to about 17 fewer hot flashes per week compared to taking a placebo.
4.) The most serious side effect is liver injury
Like all prescription drugs, Veozah has potential side effects. Commonly reported side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, back pain, and hot flashes. You should not use Veozah if you have certain conditions, such as cirrhosis, severe renal impairment, or end-stage renal disease, or if you take CYP1A2 inhibitor medications.
Serious side effects, including liver injury, can occur while taking Veozah. Prior to starting Veozah, a liver function test is necessary, followed by tests at month 3, month 6, and month 9 of treatment.
5.) It's expensive and your insurance may not cover it
Veozah is taken orally once a day. The estimated cost for a 30-day supply is $550, subject to insurance coverage.
Our Conclusion
Millions of women experience menopause symptoms every day. Veozah offers a new way for women to treat hot flashes - one of the most bothersome symptoms of menopause. In addition, it may be able to help women who are not candidates for HRT.
Remember that hot flashes will eventually go away - even if left untreated. Other menopause symptoms, such as vaginal and urinary discomfort, may only get worse with time. Veozah does not treat vaginal and urinary symptoms.
Vaginal estradiol continues to be the most effective treatment option for vaginal and urinary concerns. It's available as a cream or suppository and treats and prevents dryness, irritation, and infection. And, it can be a safer alternative to HRT - even women with a history of breast cancer can take it.
If you’re in menopause (or close to it) and experiencing vaginal or urinary symptoms, take our quiz or browse our treatments to learn more about how Interlude can help you.
Is Veozah Right For You?
