Veoza Tablets

What is Veoza?

Veoza is a prescription medication containing the active substance fezolinetant, presented as a 45 mg film-coated tablet. It belongs to a novel drug class known as neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor antagonists. Unlike traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Veoza is a non-hormonal treatment specifically designed to manage menopausal symptoms by acting on the brain's temperature regulation system.

Mechanism of Action

Imagine your brain's temperature control centre (the hypothalamus) as a thermostat. Before menopause, the 'heat' signals (from a protein called Neurokinin B or NKB) and 'cool' signals (influenced by oestrogen) are in balance. During menopause, dropping oestrogen levels disrupt this balance, allowing NKB to overstimulate the thermostat, leading to sudden, inappropriate 'hot flashes'.

Fezolinetant works by blocking the NKB receptor in this control centre. It effectively 'mutes' the excessive heat signals, helping to stabilise the thermostat and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats without adding external hormones.

What is Veoza Used For?

Veoza is licensed for use in the UK for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause in adult women, as approved by the European Medicines Agency.

Approved Indications

• Primary Use: Reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes (also called hot flushes) and night sweats
• Target Patient Population: Menopausal women (typically over 45) who find these symptoms disruptive to daily life
• Alternative to HRT: For women seeking non-hormonal treatment options

Before Using Veoza

Your clinician will assess your suitability. Be prepared to discuss:

Medical History Assessment

• Personal or family history of liver disease
• Kidney problems or impairment
• Breast cancer or other oestrogen-dependent cancers
• History of seizures or neurological conditions
• Current menopausal status and symptoms

Required Baseline Tests

1. Liver function tests (ALT/AST) - may be recommended before starting
2. Renal function assessment
3. Blood pressure monitoring
4. General health evaluation

Veoza Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Veoza must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to fezolinetant or any excipient
• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Concurrent use with moderate or strong CYP1A2 inhibitor medicines
• Severe hepatic impairment

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients (≥65 years)

• No specific dose adjustment required based on age alone
• General health and other medications must be considered

Renal Impairment

• Mild impairment: No dose adjustment needed
• Moderate impairment: Use with caution
• Severe impairment: Not recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• Mild impairment: Use with monitoring
• Moderate impairment: Not recommended
• Severe impairment: Contraindicated

Children & Adolescents

• Not indicated. Veoza is for use only in menopausal women (18+)

Veoza and Other Medicines

CRITICAL INTERACTION: Veoza must NOT be taken with medicines that are moderate or strong inhibitors of the liver enzyme CYP1A2. These drugs can significantly increase the level of Veoza in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.

High-Risk Combinations

• Fluvoxamine (an antidepressant/anti-anxiety SSRI)
• Enoxacin (an antibiotic)
• Mexiletine (a heart rhythm medicine)
• Combined hormonal contraceptives containing Ethinyl Oestradiol

Other Important Interactions

• Systemic oestrogen-based HRT: Use not recommended
• Other CNS medications: Monitor for additive effects
• Liver-metabolized drugs: Potential interaction

Always inform your clinician of all medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Contraindicated during pregnancy
• Veoza is only for menopausal women who are not pregnant or planning pregnancy
• If you become pregnant while taking Veoza, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated
• It is unknown if fezolinetant passes into breast milk
• Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine

Contraception

• Women of childbearing potential (peri-menopausal) should use effective non-hormonal contraception
• Options include: barrier methods, copper IUD
• Hormonal contraceptives containing ethinyl oestradiol are contraindicated

Driving & Machine Operation

• Veoza is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery
• No specific warnings are provided in the product information
• If you experience dizziness or fatigue, avoid driving until symptoms resolve

Veoza Ingredients

Active Substance

• Fezolinetant (45 mg per tablet)

Excipients

Allergy Information

• If you have known allergies to any of these substances, do not take this medicine
• Contains lactose (trace amounts)

How to Use Veoza Tablets

Preparation Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly
2. Remove tablet from blister pack
3. Check tablet is intact and not damaged
4. Have a glass of water ready

Administration Technique

• Swallow whole: Do not break, crush, or chew
• With water: Take with a drink of water
• Timing: Take at approximately the same time each day
• With food: Can be taken with or without food

Veoza Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage

Dose Adjustment Information

• No titration (dose-increasing) schedule required
• Treatment begins at the full 45 mg dose
• No dose adjustment for elderly patients based on age alone
• Do not exceed one tablet daily

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step tablet guide:

Daily Routine

1. Take your tablet at approximately the same time each day to help you remember
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water
3. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet
4. Veoza can be taken with or without food

Timing Considerations

• Choose a time that fits your daily routine (morning or evening)
• Consider taking with a meal if you experience stomach discomfort
• Set a daily reminder if needed

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one
• Minimum 12 hours between doses

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea
• Tingling sensations (paraesthesia)
• Dizziness

Management

1. Seek immediate medical attention
2. Bring medication packaging
3. Contact Poison Control Centre
4. Symptomatic treatment as needed

Possible Side Effects

Very Common (more than 1 in 10 people)

• Diarrhoea
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Increased levels of liver enzymes (ALT/AST) in blood tests
• Abdominal (stomach) pain

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people)

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Hot flush (paradoxical reaction)

Serious Side Effects

Monitoring Requirements

Your doctor may recommend periodic liver function tests (LFTs), especially:

• Before starting treatment
• After 3 months of treatment
• After 9 months of treatment
• Annually thereafter
• More frequently if you have liver disease risk factors

Reporting Side Effects: You can report suspected side effects via the UK Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

How to Store Veoza

Storage Conditions

• Store in original package to protect from moisture
• Keep at room temperature (15-30°C)
• Protect from light
• Keep blister strips in outer carton

Safety Precautions

• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after expiry date printed on packaging
• Do not store above 30°C

Disposal

• Return unused tablets to your pharmacy
• Do not dispose in household waste
• Do not flush down toilet

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• 10 x 1 film-coated tablets
• 28 x 1 film-coated tablets
• 30 x 1 film-coated tablets
• 100 x 1 film-coated tablets

Appearance

• Round, light red film-coated tablets
• Debossed with company logo and '645'
• PA/Aluminium/PVC/Aluminium unit dose blisters

Marketing Authorisation

• Holder: Astellas Pharma Europe B.V., Sylviusweg 62, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
• UK PL Number: PLGB 00236/0611
• EU Number: EU/1/23/1755/001-004

Where Can I Buy Veoza Online in the UK