Inverness doctor gives her verdict on new menopause drug
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An Inverness menopause specialist has revealed how effective the new menopause drug, Fezolinetant, actually is.
Dr Beth Macfarlane and Dr Emma Rushwork opened Menopause Health Highland, which is the first private GP-led clinic based in Inverness offering specialist advice to women experiencing symptoms of the menopause.
Dr Beth Macfarlane is an NHS GP that identified a gap in this sector of women's health care and was determined to help any women, at any age, with their menopause journey.
Recently a new drug has entered the market and is claimed to help with menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes.
Veoza (Fezolinetant) is a new type of non-hormonal menopause treatment which has been approved by the medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA).
This form of medication can also be used as treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, which commonly come in the form of hot flushes and night sweats.
Dr Macfarlane said: "The daily pill works on the brain's temperature-control centre to alleviate these symptoms.
"At present, this treatment is available only by private prescription as it has not yet received approval for use within the NHS.
"A national institute of health and care excellence (NICE) review is under way to consider the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the treatment.
"Veoza is primarily recommended for women who cannot take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or do not wish to and so will increase treatment choices available to women.
"Veoza does not address other common menopausal symptoms such as brain fog, tiredness, or joint pains.
"HRT remains the most widely accepted and cost-effective first-line treatment for menopause, for those who can take it.
"However, a small group who may otherwise have few options, may find Veoza of benefit to manage their vasomotor symptoms."
Getting advice early can help reduce the impact perimenopause and menopause could have on your health, relationships and work.
