Post-50 Drug Linked to Serious Liver Damage
- Paris - A medication marketed as a modern, hormone-free option for managing menopause symptoms is now under review by health authorities following reports of potential liver damage.
- As its introduction on April 8, 2025, Veoza, manufactured by Astellas Pharma, has been prescribed to alleviate hot flashes associated with menopause. the drug's active ingredient, fezolinetant, works...
- The ANSM, the French drug safety authority, has issued an alert regarding the potential risk of serious liver problems in patients over 50 who are using Veoza.
Veoza, a Non-Hormonal Menopause Drug, Under Scrutiny for Liver Risks
Table of Contents
- Veoza, a Non-Hormonal Menopause Drug, Under Scrutiny for Liver Risks
- Veoza and Liver Risks: Yoru Essential Q&A Guide
- What is veoza and What is it Used For?
- Why is Veoza Under Scrutiny?
- What are the Key Symptoms of Liver Problems to Watch For?
- What Should I Do if I Experience These Symptoms While Taking Veoza?
- What is the Current Evaluation of Veoza’s Safety?
- Will I Need a Liver Function test Before and During Treatment with Veoza?
- Is Veoza Available Over-the-counter?
- What Happens if Liver Tests Show Abnormally high Levels?
- Are the Liver Effects Reversible?
- Who is Veoza intended For?
- What Precautions Should I Take Before Starting Veoza?
- Where Should I Seek Medical Advice?
- Is There a Risk of Self-Medication with Veoza?
- Key information About Veoza: A Summary
- What are Health Authorities Doing Now?
Paris – A medication marketed as a modern, hormone-free option for managing menopause symptoms is now under review by health authorities following reports of potential liver damage. Some women taking the drug, Veoza, have already been affected.
As its introduction on April 8, 2025, Veoza, manufactured by Astellas Pharma, has been prescribed to alleviate hot flashes associated with menopause. the drug’s active ingredient, fezolinetant, works by directly regulating body temperature in the brain, offering an option to traditional hormone therapies.
Health Agency Flags Liver Concerns
The ANSM, the French drug safety authority, has issued an alert regarding the potential risk of serious liver problems in patients over 50 who are using Veoza. This announcement has triggered heightened monitoring of the drug.
Symptoms to Watch For
The warning is directed toward both healthcare professionals and women currently undergoing treatment with Veoza. updated instructions for the medication now include newly identified risks. The ANSM is urging doctors and pharmacists to inform patients about the signs that should prompt immediate medical attention.
The following symptoms should be taken seriously:
- Persistent fatigue
- Itching (pruritus)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
If any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to consult a doctor immediately. If liver damage is suspected,a liver function test should be performed without delay.
Benefit-Risk Ratio Under Evaluation
The ANSM is currently re-evaluating Veoza’s benefit-risk profile. The agency reports that liver damage associated with the drug can be severe enough to warrant discontinuation of treatment. Consequently, mandatory patient monitoring now includes a liver function test before starting the medication, followed by monthly tests for the first three months of treatment.
Veoza is classified as a List I drug,meaning it can only be dispensed with a prescription and requires strict medical supervision. The ANSM stated that if transaminase or bilirubin levels are abnormally high, treatment should be stopped immediately. However,the agency also noted that liver effects are generally reversible upon cessation of the drug.
Veoza: Intended Use and Precautions
Veoza is intended for menopausal women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes. While it offers a non-hormonal alternative, its novelty does not negate potential risks. healthcare providers are advised to conduct a thorough assessment of a patient’s liver history before prescribing the medication.
Health authorities caution against self-medication. Women taking Veoza, or considering starting the treatment, should consult with their primary care physician or a specialist in hepato-gastroenterology. The ANSM is continuing its evaluation of Veoza and may issue revised recommendations in the coming weeks.
Veoza and Liver Risks: Yoru Essential Q&A Guide
What is veoza and What is it Used For?
Veoza is a medication designed to treat hot flashes associated with menopause. It’s a non-hormonal option, with its active ingredient, fezolinetant, working by regulating body temperature in the brain. It was introduced on April 8, 2025, and is manufactured by astellas Pharma.
Why is Veoza Under Scrutiny?
Veoza is under review by health authorities due to reports of potential liver damage in some patients. The ANSM, the French drug safety authority, has issued an alert regarding the potential risk of serious liver problems for those using Veoza, particularly those over 50.
This has triggered heightened monitoring of the drug to assess its benefit-risk profile.
What are the Key Symptoms of Liver Problems to Watch For?
The ANSM urges both healthcare professionals and patients to be aware of the following symptoms, which may indicate liver damage:
- Persistent fatigue
- Itching (pruritus)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
What Should I Do if I Experience These Symptoms While Taking Veoza?
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor instantly. If liver damage is suspected, a liver function test should be performed promptly.
What is the Current Evaluation of Veoza’s Safety?
The ANSM is currently re-evaluating Veoza’s benefit-risk profile. The agency reports that liver damage associated with the drug can be severe enough to warrant discontinuation of treatment.
Will I Need a Liver Function test Before and During Treatment with Veoza?
Yes, mandatory patient monitoring now includes a liver function test before starting the medication, followed by monthly tests for the first three months of treatment, according to the assessment from the provided article.
Is Veoza Available Over-the-counter?
No. Veoza is classified as a List I drug, meaning it can only be dispensed with a prescription and requires strict medical supervision.
What Happens if Liver Tests Show Abnormally high Levels?
If transaminase or bilirubin levels are abnormally high, treatment with Veoza should be stopped immediately, according to the ANSM.
Are the Liver Effects Reversible?
The ANSM has stated that liver effects are generally reversible upon cessation of the drug.
Who is Veoza intended For?
Veoza is intended for menopausal women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes.
What Precautions Should I Take Before Starting Veoza?
Healthcare providers are advised to conduct a thorough assessment of a patient’s liver history before prescribing Veoza.
Where Should I Seek Medical Advice?
Women taking Veoza, or considering starting the treatment, should consult with their primary care physician or a specialist in hepato-gastroenterology.
Is There a Risk of Self-Medication with Veoza?
Health authorities caution against self-medication with Veoza.
Key information About Veoza: A Summary
Here’s a speedy overview to help you understand Veoza:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To alleviate hot flashes associated with menopause. |
| Active Ingredient | Fezolinetant |
| Mechanism | Regulates body temperature in the brain. |
| Concerns | Potential liver damage. |
| Monitoring | Liver function tests before and during treatment. |
| Prescription Status | List I drug – requires prescription and medical supervision |
The ANSM is continuing its evaluation of Veoza and may issue revised recommendations in the coming weeks.