Health chiefs give green light to new menopause pill which can stop hot flushes and night sweats

Women debilitated by hot flashes and night sweats will soon be able to find relief thanks to a new daily menopause pill approved for use on the NHS.

Around 500,000 women are expected to take part in the treatment, which experts say could help people who cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The medication fezolinetant, also known as Veoza, is a daily, non-hormonal tablet designed to target brain signals that trigger some of the most devastating menopause symptoms.

In the latest draft of guidance published today, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the 45mg tablet for women experiencing moderate to severe flushes and night sweats.

More than two million women in the UK are thought to suffer from these symptoms during menopause, which often begins at an early stage known as perimenopause.

For most people, the effects are serious; It disrupts sleep, affects concentration and strains relationships. In some cases, women are even forced to leave their jobs.

An estimated 60,000 women in the UK are currently unemployed or on long-term sick leave due to severe menopausal symptoms, costing the economy around £1.5 billion a year.

The research also shows that one in ten women leave the workforce altogether due to lack of support.

HRT remains the first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms and replaces estrogen and progesterone, which drop during menopause. It can be taken in a variety of forms, including tablets, patches, and gels.

But options for women who cannot or choose not to take HRT have been limited so far.

HRT is not suitable for some women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots or untreated high blood pressure. Some women may experience side effects or prefer a non-hormonal alternative.

However, NICE said fezolinetant is not recommended for women with breast cancer, other estrogen-dependent cancers or liver disease.

Women who have previously had breast cancer and have completed treatment may still receive this medication, depending on their individual situation.

Helen Knight, director of medicines 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 general wellbeing.

‘Options have historically been limited for those who cannot take HRT for a variety of reasons, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult this can be.

‘Evidence shows that fezolinant can significantly reduce symptoms and is shown to be cost-effective and delivers value for taxpayers. ‘This decision will provide much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is not suitable.’

Dr Sue Mann, NHS England’s national clinical director for women’s health, said: ‘Menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, can affect all areas of a woman’s life, so this is particularly welcome news for women who are unable or unwilling to take hormone replacement therapy.

‘This is another vital treatment option that could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health.’

Assistant specialist in reproductive medicine at University College London Hospitals, Dr. Vikram Talaulikar said: ‘Despite progress, the sad reality is that many women continue to suffer in silence because not all available treatments meet their specific needs.

‘NICE’s decision means NHS doctors now have an alternative treatment that has been specifically designed and studied to improve certain menopause symptoms. ‘This is excellent news for improving women’s health in the UK, giving women wider choice.’