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

Women blighted by debilitating hot flushes and night sweats could soon find relief thanks to a new daily menopause pill approved for use on the NHS.

Around 500,000 women are expected to be eligible for the treatment, which experts say could help those unable to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

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

In final draft guidance published today, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended the 45mg tablet for women experiencing moderate to severe hot flushes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

More than two million women in the UK are thought to suffer these symptoms during menopause, often beginning during the earlier stage known as perimenopause.

For many, the effects are severe – disrupting sleep, affecting concentration and straining relationships. In some cases women are even forced to cut back on work.

An estimated 60,000 women in the UK are currently out of work or on long-term sick leave due to severe menopause symptoms, costing the economy roughly £1.5billion a year.

Research also suggests one in ten women has left the workforce entirely because of a lack of support.

HRT remains the first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms, replacing the oestrogen and progesterone that fall during menopause. It can be taken in several forms, including tablets, patches and gels.

But for women who cannot – or choose not to – take HRT, options have until now been limited.

HRT is unsuitable for some women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer, blood clots or untreated high blood pressure. Some women experience side effects or would prefer a non-hormonal alternative. 

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

Women who have previously had breast cancer and completed treatment may still be able to take it, depending on their individual circumstances.

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: ‘We know that menopausal hot flushes and night sweats can have a profound impact on quality of life and significantly affect overall wellbeing.

‘For those who are unable to take HRT for varying reasons, options have historically been limited, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult that can be.

‘The evidence shows fezolinetant can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and was found to be cost-effective, offering value for the taxpayer. This decision will give much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is unsuitable.’

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women’s health for NHS England, said: ‘Symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes and night sweats, can affect every part of a woman’s life, so this is very welcome news, especially for women who are unable to or don’t wish to take hormone replacement therapy.

‘It’s another vital treatment option which could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause to better manage their symptoms and feel more in control of their health.’

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

‘NICE’s decision means that NHS doctors now have an alternative treatment that was specifically designed and studied to improve particular symptoms of menopause. It is excellent news for the furtherment of women’s health in the UK and provides women with a wider choice of options.’