For many women, menopause brings a range of physical and emotional changes. Among the most disruptive are sudden hot flashes and night sweats that interrupt sleep, concentration, and daily comfort. Veozah (fezolinetant) represents a new, non-hormonal treatment option designed to help women manage these symptoms and restore quality of life during the menopausal transition. 

Veozah is a prescription medication developed to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS), the medical term for hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. Unlike traditional hormone therapies, which replace declining estrogen levels, Veozah works through a different pathway in the brain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonists, offering relief without the use of estrogen. 

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023, Veozah is the first medication in its class and provides a promising alternative for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone replacement therapy. 

What does Veozah do? 

Veozah is prescribed to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. These symptoms occur when the body’s temperature regulation system becomes disrupted due to declining estrogen levels. For many women, they can be frequent, intense, and distressing, affecting sleep, mood, and daily performance. 

By targeting the brain’s temperature control center directly, Veozah helps stabilize body temperature and reduce the number of hot flash episodes each day. In clinical studies, women taking fezolinetant experienced a significant reduction in hot flash frequency and severity within the first four weeks, with improvements that continued over time (FDA, 2023). 

For patients, this can mean more restful sleep, improved mood, and greater comfort throughout the day without the hormonal risks associated with estrogen-based therapies. Veozah offers a new option for women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms while maintaining a non-hormonal treatment plan. 

How does Veozah work? 

Veozah works by blocking neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptors in the brain, specifically in a region called the hypothalamus, which helps regulate body temperature. During menopause, the natural drop in estrogen causes the hypothalamus to become overly sensitive, leading it to mistakenly signal the body to cool down even when it isn’t overheated. This triggers the sudden flushing, sweating, and warmth that characterize hot flashes. 

Fezolinetant helps restore balance by inhibiting the NK3 receptor activity, which reduces these false heat signals and helps the body maintain a stable temperature. 

This mechanism is significant because it targets the root cause of hot flashes rather than simply masking the symptoms. Unlike hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Veozah does not contain estrogen or progesterone, making it a valuable option for women who have medical contraindications to hormone use such as a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or heart disease. 

By working directly on the brain’s temperature control system, Veozah provides effective symptom relief while minimizing hormonal risks, marking a major advancement in menopause management. 

Veozah side effects 

Most people tolerate Veozah well, but as with any medication, side effects can occur. Understanding what to expect helps patients use it safely and confidently. 

Common side effects may include: 

• Mild headache 
   

• Stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea 
   

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia) 
   

• Fatigue or mild dizziness 

These effects are typically mild and temporary as the body adjusts to treatment. 

Serious side effects (less common) include: 

• Liver problems: Veozah may affect liver function in some patients. Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or unusual fatigue should be reported immediately. 
   

• Allergic reactions: Though rare, signs such as rash, swelling, or breathing difficulty require urgent medical attention. 

Doctors will monitor liver function with blood tests before and during Veozah treatment due to potential liver effects. Patients with severe liver disease should avoid Veozah, and it’s crucial to inform your doctor about all medications due to potential drug interactions affecting liver enzymes. 

Veozah dosage 

Veozah is an oral tablet taken once daily, preferably at the same time, with or without food, for consistent symptom control.  

Doctors will perform baseline and periodic liver function tests. Missed doses should be taken when remembered unless it’s almost time for the next dose; do not double doses.  

Older adults generally tolerate Veozah well, and dose adjustments aren’t needed for mild to moderate kidney or liver issues. However, those with severe hepatic or renal dysfunction should avoid it. 

Does Veozah have a generic version? 

As of 2025, no generic version of Veozah (fezolinetant) is available. It is currently marketed only under the brand name Veozah by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. Since the medication was recently approved, it remains under patent protection for several years before generic formulations may be developed. However, international versions may exist in other markets. 

Future generic versions must match brand-name products in active ingredient, strength, safety, and effectiveness, as per FDA requirements. Until then, patients can inquire about manufacturer savings or patient assistance programs. 

Conclusion 

Veozah (fezolinetant) marks a major step forward in menopause care by offering a non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. By targeting the brain’s temperature regulation system instead of hormone levels, it helps women find relief safely and effectively, especially those who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy. 

While having mild side effects and requiring liver monitoring, Veozah often improves comfort, sleep, and quality of life for most patients in weeks. If menopausal hot flashes disrupt your routine, consult your healthcare provider about Veozah. With medical guidance, this therapy can ease menopause. 

References 

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). FDA approves Veozah (fezolinetant) for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov 
    

2. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Fezolinetant (oral route) description and side effects. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org 
    

3. MedlinePlus. (2024). Fezolinetant: Drug information. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov 
    

4. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2024). Non-hormonal therapies for vasomotor symptoms in menopause. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov