Drug that prevents hot flushes to be available on NHS in England | Menopause
The NHS will offer medicine to prevent hot flashes to more than 500,000 women in England.
The green light for Veoza, also known as fezolinetant, comes after medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence authorized its use on Wednesday.
Hot flashes, also called vasomotor symptoms, affect approximately 70% of postmenopausal women. Women can suddenly and massively feel hot, which often impacts their quality of life, physical activity, sleep and productivity.
Despite the enormous number of women affected, there have been few safe and effective treatment options for decades. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is most effective, but it is not suitable for many women, such as some women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots, or untreated high blood pressure. Some women experience side effects or would prefer a non-hormonal alternative.
The new treatment option for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats will be available on the NHS when HRT is not suitable. The treatment, made by Astellas Pharma, works by blocking nerve pathways in the brain.
HRT remains the first-line treatment option and, given its established benefits and the range of formulations now available, it is likely that most people with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms will continue to take it. However, fezolinetant fills an urgent need for those who cannot or do not want to use HRT, Nice said.
Around 500,000 women will be able to benefit from it, according to the Guardian.
Fezolinetant 45 mg tablet is taken once daily and is a non-hormonal treatment that works by blocking the nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flashes and night sweats.
Helen Knight, director of drug evaluation at Nice, said: “We know that menopausal hot flashes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall well-being.
“For those who cannot take HRT for various reasons, options have always been limited, and patients have clearly told us how difficult it can be.
“Evidence shows that fezolinetant can significantly reduce symptoms and has been proven to be cost-effective, providing value for the taxpayer. This decision will provide much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is not suitable.”
Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director for women’s health for NHS England, said: “Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, can affect every aspect of a woman’s life. So this is very good news, especially for women who cannot or do not wish to undergo hormone replacement therapy.
“This is another life-saving treatment option, which could help hundreds of thousands of menopausal women better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health.”
