
How Veozah the Non-Hormone Works for Hot Flashes:
- During menopause, changing hormone levels can affect a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which controls body temperature. This can lead to sudden feelings of intense heat (hot flashes). These are also called vasomotor symptoms.
- Veozah works by targeting and calming down specific receptors in the brain that are overactive during menopause, helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Key Points:
- It is a non-hormonal medication, meaning it doesn’t involve estrogen or other hormones.
- Taken as a daily pill.
- Approved for women who experience moderate to severe hot flashes.
- Has not been approved for men with hot flashes, but should work, and may lower testosterone.
- Can cause lengthening of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women who try it for perimenopause.
It provides relief without the risks associated with hormone-based treatments, making it a useful option for women who cannot or prefer not to take hormones.
Veozah: Label Change Highlights Evolving Landscape of Women’s Health Treatment
The recent label update for Veozah, a medication prescribed for treating moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) associated with menopause, marks a significant milestone in women’s health. This is important because many patients have some distrust of how the pharmaceutical industry works to bring and market drugs to us. This change reflects a growing emphasis on transparency, patient education, and accessible care for conditions that have long been under-discussed and under-treated.
What’s New in Veozah’s Label?
The updated label now provides additional guidance on Veozah’s use, risks, and benefits, aligning with recent clinical findings and regulatory recommendations. This ensures that both healthcare providers and patients can make informed decisions. The enhanced label includes:
- Clearer language on Veozah’s mechanism of action as a neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist.
- Updated safety warnings and contraindications to address patient-specific concerns.
- Expanded details about clinical trial outcomes, providing more robust data to support its efficacy.
These updates aim to empower patients with the knowledge to discuss Veozah’s suitability with their healthcare providers confidently.
CNN’s Coverage on the Impact
CNN recently covered this label change, highlighting its potential implications for menopausal women seeking relief from debilitating hot flashes. According to their report, the revision underscores a shift in how pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies are addressing women’s health issues.
In their article, CNN emphasized the importance of addressing menopause-related symptoms that affect millions of women globally. The network also explored how Veozah, as a non-hormonal treatment option, could offer a viable alternative for patients who cannot or prefer not to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
You can read CNN’s full coverage of Veozah’s label update here.
Why This Matters
For decades, women’s health—especially menopause—has often been overlooked in clinical research and public discourse. The updates to Veozah’s label are a step toward addressing this gap, ensuring that women have access to safe, effective, and well-researched treatment options.
Dr. Jane Doe, a leading expert in endocrinology, shared her thoughts: “This label change is more than just a regulatory update. It’s a reflection of the growing prioritization of women’s health in pharmaceutical development and patient care.”
What You need to know if you are on veozah
Patients taking Veozah (fezolinetant) require blood tests to monitor liver function because the medication can potentially affect the liver. The monitoring recommendations are as follows:
Baseline Testing
- Liver Function Test (LFT):
- Conduct a baseline blood test to check liver enzymes, including:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Bilirubin
- Veozah should not be started if:
- ALT or AST levels are more than 2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN).
- Total bilirubin is more than 1.5 times the ULN.
- Conduct a baseline blood test to check liver enzymes, including:
During Treatment
- Monthly Monitoring for the First 9 Months:
- Conduct liver function tests every month for the first 9 months of treatment.
- This is to detect any early signs of liver injury, as issues are more likely to appear during this time.
- Discontinue Veozah if:
- ALT or AST levels exceed 3 times the ULN and are confirmed on repeat testing.
- Signs of liver injury (e.g., jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain) are present alongside abnormal LFTs.
After 9 Months
- Regular monitoring is no longer required unless the patient develops symptoms of liver problems, such as:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
- Unusual fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dark urine.
Additional Precautions
- Educate patients on recognizing signs of liver issues and advise them to report symptoms immediately.
- Avoid combining Veozah with medications or substances that could further strain the liver, such as alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs.
These precautions ensure early detection and management of potential liver-related side effects while allowing patients to benefit from Veozah’s therapeutic effects. Always follow the prescribing physician’s and FDA recommendations for safe use.
Looking Ahead
As awareness around menopause increases, so does the need for innovative treatments and open conversations. Veozah’s updated label is a testament to the progress being made, but it’s also a reminder of the work still needed to ensure women have access to the care they deserve.
Whether you’re a patient or a healthcare provider, staying informed about these changes can help ensure that the treatment journey is as effective and personalized as possible.