Veoza is a prescription medication that is used to manage vasomotor symptoms, which are the most common menopausal symptoms that women experience. These symptoms include hot flushes and night sweats. Veoza does not contain any natural or synthetic hormones but instead targets areas of the brain that cause vasomotor symptoms.

Veoza works by blocking a chemical in the brain called neurokinin B, which is responsible for controlling your body temperature. Neurokinin B is a protein that works with the hormone oestrogen to help regulate your body temperature. As your oestrogen levels fall during menopause, the balance between neurokinin B and oestrogen is disturbed. This leads to vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

Veoza contains the active ingredient fezolinetant, which is a non-hormonal medication that belongs to a group of medications called NK3 receptor antagonists. This medication blocks the activity of a receptor in the brain neurokinin B attaches to, which helps balance out its effects. This helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes and night sweats.

How effective is Veoza?

Clinical studies conducted by the drug’s manufacturer showed that Veoza reduced the frequency of vasomotor symptoms by around 65% compared to a reduction of around 45% on a placebo. It also reduced the severity of vasomotor symptoms by 35% compared to 20% on a placebo.

How long does Veoza take to work?

Veoza starts working quickly and can help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms in just a week. However, it may take up to a month for the medication to start working for you. Most clinical studies have only looked into the effectiveness of the medication between the 4 and 12 week marks.

Can you buy Veoza online?

Yes, you can buy Veoza online with a prescription from Superdrug Online Doctor. The process for getting Voeza is quick and convenient. All you need to do is complete a short online questionnaire and answer a few questions about your health. A doctor will review your answers within 24 hours, and if it is safe and appropriate, you will be prescribed Veoza. Your medication will then be sent to an address of your choice or be for collection from a Superdrug Pharmacy of your choice.

Can you get Veoza over the counter?

No, you cannot get Veoza over the counter. Veoza is a prescription medication, so a doctor must check to make sure it is safe for you to take. Do not take Veoza if you have not been prescribed it.

Can you get Veoza on the NHS?

No, you cannot currently get Veoza on the NHS. It has not yet been recommended for the NHS to prescribe Veoza for menopause, as it is a fairly new medication. It may be approved for use in the NHS shortly after an upcoming review.

Take 1 tablet of Veoza at the same time every day. You should swallow your tablet whole with water. You can have it with or without a meal. Make sure you do not crush or chew the tablet when taking it.

If you miss a dose of Veoza, do not take 2 doses to make up for it, as this can cause unwanted side effects or adverse reactions. Just take your next dose as usual.

Like all medications, Veoza can cause side effects in some patients. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own in a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication.

Common side effects of Veoza include:

• Stomach pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Abnormal liver function tests
• Diarrhoea

In rare cases, Veoza can cause problems with your liver. Stop taking Veoza and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms of liver problems:

• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Vomiting
• Severe nausea
• Pain in the upper right of your stomach

Veoza may not be suitable for everyone. People who have certain conditions or are taking certain medications may find that Veoza is not the right medication for them.

You shouldn’t take Veoza if you:

• Have liver problems, such as a scarred liver (cirrhosis)
• Have kidney problems or disease
• Are taking medications for depression and OCD known as CYP1A2 inhibitors

Hormonal therapy (HRT) - Vasomotor symptoms are caused by an imbalance between oestrogen and neurokinin B as a result of falling oestrogen levels. While Veoza treats this by reducing the activity of neurokinin B, HRT can help restore the balance by increasing your levels of oestrogen. This includes medications such as Tibolone, Evorel Conti, and Evorel Sequi.

Antidepressants - Some antidepressants, such as venlafaxine, are used as an off-label treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. These are usually not as effective as hormonal treatments but are useful for women who cannot use hormonal medication.

Clonidine - Clonidine is a non-hormonal medication that is used to treat high blood pressure, but also helps to treat night sweats and hot flushes. This medication can start working to reduce symptoms within an hour of taking a dose and takes around 2-4 weeks to get the full effect. Clonidine is available on the NHS.

If you are not sure if Veoza is right for you or want information on other treatments for your symptoms, you can message our doctors for free through your patient account. A doctor will be able to recommend a treatment and help you get the medication that is best for you.