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Veozah®: Non-hormonal menopause hot flash relief

Veozah® (fezolinetant) offers women a hormone-free option to alleviate menopause symptoms, providing relief from moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats. It's an FDA-approved alternative to hormone replacement therapy. 

Discreet and confidential non-hormonal solution Effective relief for menopause hot flashes Convenient prescription access
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of menopause. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
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How Veozah® works: mechanism of action

As women go through menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels can disrupt the body's temperature regulation system, causing unpleasant symptoms, particularly hot flashes. These are characterized by a rush of heat followed by intense sweating.3 For many women, hot flashes can occur up to 50 times a day and last for several years.4 

 

Newer research has revealed that hot flashes are not triggered by low estrogen alone. There is a chemical signal, also called a neurotransmitter, in the brain called neurokinin B (NKB for short) that binds to receptors within the temperature control center of the brain and triggers hot flashes. Fezolinetant, the active ingredient in Veozah, blocks NKB from binding to these receptors and in this way helps reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and sweats. 

 

Key takeaways: 

  • Veozah® works by blocking neurokinin B’s effects on the part of the brain that acts as your body’s thermostat (called the hypothalamus). This blocks symptoms at their source, reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.6 In clinical trials, Veozah® was shown to also improve other menopause-related symptoms such as concentration and sleep problems.  
  • This provides an alternative for women who can't take, or don't respond well to hormone replacement therapy.7 You'll need a prescription from your doctor to get Veozah®, and although it doesn't treat the underlying hormonal changes of menopause, it can help you manage your symptoms. 

How effective is Veozah®?

In clinical trials, Veozah® was shown to effectively reduce menopausal hot flashes and night sweats in over 60% of women who experienced significant relief from moderate to severe hot flashes within four to six weeks of starting treatment.9 The effects of the medication are estimated to last for as long as you continue treatment. 

 

While Veozah® can provide real relief from uncomfortable symptoms, it comes with risks such as mild abdominal pain or diarrhea, and in a few people can cause liver problems.10 It should not be taken by people with chronic liver disease or severe kidney failure. For this reason, it is recommended to have kidney and liver testing done before starting Veozah®, and to repeat liver testing after 3, 6, and 9 months of this medication. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have before starting the medication. 

Veozah® for menopause hot flashes

Veozah® may help reduce both the severity and frequency of uncomfortable menopause symptoms  of hot flashes and night sweats, and women find relief from these symptoms within the first month or two of use.8 

Dosage: how to take Veozah®

The recommended dosage for Veozah® is one 45 mg tablet taken orally once daily with a full glass of fluids, preferably at the same time each day.11 You can take the tablet with or without food, swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew or break the tablet. 

 

The effects of the medication may not be noticeable immediately, as it can take several weeks of regular use before symptoms start to improve. Be patient and continue taking as prescribed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about how to properly take Veozah®. 

 

You can get your prescription for Veozah® through our online platform. Blood work is required prior to starting Veozah® and every 3 months while on it to monitor liver function. 

Optimal timing for Veozah® intake

The best time to take Veozah® is when it suits you. It does not cause daytime drowsiness. It is best to take it with a full glass of water, juice, or milk. 

Missed dose of Veozah®

Take the missed dose of Veozah® as soon as you can, but if it's within 12 hours of the time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your regular dosing regimen. Never take extra doses to compensate for the one you missed.

Side effects of Veozah®

While Veozah® can help relieve menopause symptoms, it may cause some unwanted side effects, which commonly include: 

More serious side effects can include an increase in liver blood test values or allergic reactions, including: 

Rash or itching 
Swelling
Severe dizziness
Trouble breathing
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these rare but serious allergic reaction symptoms. 
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Drug interactions

Veozah® can interact with several common drugs, including over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements. Some medications that may interact with Veozah® include: 

  • ciprofloxacin (Cipro)  
  • cimetidine (Tagamet) 
  • caffeine 
  • verapamil 

 

Inform your doctor about any drugs or supplements you take before starting Veozah® 

 

Also keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine may worsen hot flashes, so discuss your alcohol and caffeine intake with your doctor. 

 

Veozah® and breast cancer risk 

 

Veozah® (fezolinetant) is not a hormone or estrogen product. There is no known risk of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers. It is always a good idea to speak with your specialist if you have been treated for cancer or are considered at high risk for cancer. 

Alternatives to Veozah®

If you have moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may still be suitable. HRT comes in pills, patches, gels, and creams to supply estrogen and progesterone to replace what your body is missing. In some situations, HRT can come as injections or pellets, but these forms cannot be prescribed but our virtual primary care physicians. 

 

While HRT was once controversial, for most women the benefits outweigh the risks when used short-term. Talk to your doctor about whether HRT could be right for you. 

 

Simple lifestyle changes and some herbal remedies can also help lessen menopausal discomforts. Some examples to try include: 

 

  • Using cooling products such as gel pillows 
  • Light regular exercise such as walking and yoga 
  • Meditation 
  • Massage therapy 
  • Acupuncture 
  • Supplements such as primrose oil, black cohosh, and red clover

 

Herbal remedies can interact with some medications, so check with your doctor first to discuss which treatments are right for you and your body. 

Veozah® FAQs

Who should not take Veozah®?

Veozah® is not for everyone. Reasons to avoid taking this medication include: 

 

In addition, do not take Veozah® if you: 

  • Are allergic to any of its ingredients, including the active ingredient fezolinetant. 
  • Have liver cirrhosis or disease 

 

Disclose all your current medications and supplements and discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting Veozah®. 

Can men take Veozah®?

No, Veozah® is designed specifically for women experiencing effects of declining estrogen during menopause. While men can also experience age-related hormonal changes, in clinical study trials, Veozah® did not demonstrate any benefits for men.18 

Does Veozah® cause weight gain?

Veozah® is not associated with weight gain or loss. 

How long does Veozah® take to work?

Relief from symptoms can begin within the first week or two of taking Veozah®. In clinical trials, women reported up to a 50-75% drop in hot flash frequency after just one month of use. The full effects tend to build over the first three months, with the majority of women finding optimal relief between weeks 12 to 16.19 

 

The speed at which Veozah® begins reducing your menopause symptoms depends on several factors, including: 

  • The severity and frequency of your hot flashes 
  • Individual differences in response to the medicine 

3 simple steps to request a Veozah® prescription online

Lanara
Step 1

Book a Veozah® prescription appointment.

Book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Top Online Doctors | Step 2
Step 2

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Talk to your doctor about your menopause symptoms. Your doctor can order blood work to check kidney and liver function or other tests if medically indicated, or you can share a copy of labs performed within the last 3 months by uploading them prior to your appointment.
Primary Care Top Online Doctors | Step 3
Step 3

Pick up your Veozah® prescription, if prescribed.

After appropriate consultation and review of blood work, your doctor can send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy.

Online appointment pricing details

To request a new or refill on your Veozah® prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week
  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team
  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests
  • Free memberships for your family
  • Cancel anytime

Paying with insurance

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$19.99

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Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

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Paying without insurance

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$19.99

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Visits

$129

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

  1. Astellas Pharma Inc. “Astellas’ VEOZAH (fezolinetant) Approved by European Commission for Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms Associated with Menopause” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.astellas.com/en/news/28761#:~:text=About%20VEOZATM%20(fezolinetant),hot%20flashes%20or%20night%20sweats
  2. Rush “How the Body Regulates Heat” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.rush.edu/news/how-body-regulates-heat
  3. Harvard Health Publishing “Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats can last for years” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/menopause-related-hot-flashes-night-sweats-can-last-years-201502237745
  4. Veozah® “About Veozah” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.veozah.com/about-veozah
  5. National Library of Medicine “Veozah® (Fezolinetant): A Promising Non‐Hormonal Treatment for Vasomotor Symptoms in Menopause” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10551868/#:~:text=Veozah%2C%20an%20innovative%20neurokinin%203,hot%20flashes%20and%20night%20sweats
  6. New York Times “F.D.A. Approves New Drug to Treat Hot Flashes” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/12/health/menopause-fda-hot-flashes.html
  7. Research Gate “Revolutionary treatment for menopausal symptoms: Veozah® (Fezolinetant) receives FDA approval” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377108984_Revolutionary_treatment_for_menopausal_symptoms_Veozah_Fezolinetant_receives_FDA_approval#:~:text=A%20big%20step%20forward%20in,which%20are%20frequent%20menopause%20symptoms
  8. GoodRxHealth “Veozah® Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.goodrx.com/veozah/dosage
  9. Astellas Pharma Inc. “Astellas’ VEOZAH® (fezolinetant) Approved by U.S. FDA for Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms Due to Menopause” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.astellas.com/en/system/files/news/2023-05/20230513_en_1.pdf
  10. Drugs.com “Fezolinetant User Reviews & Ratings” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.drugs.com/comments/fezolinetant/#:~:text=Veozah%20(fezolinetant)%20for%20Hot%20Flashes,months%2C%20things%20changed%20for%20me
  11. GoodRxHealth “Veozah” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.goodrx.com/veozah/medicare-coverage#:~:text=In%20general%2C%20Medicare%20prescription%20drug,plan%20to%20verify%20coverage%20information
  12. Veozah® “How to Get the VEOZAH® Savings Card” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.veozahsupportsolutions.com/patient-support
  13. National Library of Medicine “Androgen deprivation therapy-associated vasomotor symptoms” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3338189/
  14. National Library of Medicine “Effects of NT-814, a dual neurokinin 1 and 3 receptor antagonist, on vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial” Accessed on April 16, 2024, at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7188053/ 


 

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.