From the FDA Drug Label
Perform baseline hepatic laboratory tests to evaluate for hepatic function and injury before beginning VEOZAH Do not start VEOZAH if either aminotransferase is ≥ 2 x ULN or if the total bilirubin is ≥ 2 x ULN for the evaluating laboratory.
You can initiate Veozah therapy after performing baseline hepatic laboratory tests and if the results show that the aminotransferase levels are less than 2 x ULN and the total bilirubin level is less than 2 x ULN 1.
From the Research
You can initiate Veozah therapy after consulting with your healthcare provider, typically when experiencing moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) associated with menopause, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Considerations
- The standard dosage is 45 mg taken once daily, with or without food, as established in the SKYLIGHT 1 trial 2.
- Before starting, inform your doctor about all medications you're taking and any medical conditions you have, particularly liver problems, as Veozah requires liver function testing before treatment and periodically during use 3.
- You should not take Veozah if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, due to the potential risks associated with the medication 4.
Mechanism of Action and Efficacy
- Veozah works by blocking neurokinin B (NKB) signaling in the brain's temperature control center, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes 5.
- Clinical trials, including SKYLIGHT 1, have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of fezolinetant in reducing vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause 2, 3.
Safety and Side Effects
- Common side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, insomnia, and back pain, but these are generally mild to moderate 2, 3.
- The incidence of liver enzyme elevations is low, and these events are generally asymptomatic, transient, and resolve while on treatment or after treatment discontinuation 2.