Veoza Approved for Menopause Treatment
Veoza (fezolinetant) has been officially approved for use on the NHS to help prevent hot flushes in menopausal women, a condition that affects approximately 70% of women during this life stage. This new treatment option is expected to benefit around 500,000 women in England who are seeking relief from these symptoms.
The approval comes as a significant advancement in menopause management, particularly for women for whom hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is unsuitable. Veoza is administered as a once-daily oral tablet and works by blocking nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats.
Helen Knight, a representative from NICE, emphasized the importance of this treatment, stating, “We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing.” She added that this decision will provide much-needed relief for those unable to use HRT.
Dr. Sue Mann, another advocate for women’s health, remarked, “Symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and night sweats can affect every part of a woman’s life, so this is very welcome news especially for women who are unable to or don’t wish to take hormone replacement therapy.” This sentiment reflects the growing recognition of the need for diverse treatment options in managing menopause symptoms.
Historically, there have been few safe and effective treatments available for menopausal hot flushes, leaving many women to cope with the discomfort without adequate support. The introduction of Veoza represents a pivotal moment in addressing this gap in women’s healthcare.
The NHS has set the list price for Veoza at £44.80 per 28-tablet pack, a cost that NICE has deemed to be cost-effective and valuable for taxpayers. This pricing structure is expected to facilitate access for many women who require this treatment.
As Veoza becomes available, healthcare professionals anticipate that it will empower women to better manage their menopause symptoms and enhance their overall health. While the rollout of this treatment is promising, details remain unconfirmed regarding its availability across all NHS facilities.