Veozah Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them
Veozah (fezolinetant) is a prescription drug used to treat certain symptoms of menopause. Veozah can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include hot flashes and abdominal pain.
Specifically, Veozah is used in adults to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms caused by menopause. Examples of vasomotor symptoms include night sweats and hot flashes.
Veozah comes as an oral tablet and contains the active ingredient fezolinetant.
Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects Veozah can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
What are the more common side effects of Veozah?
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Veozah treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
What are the mild side effects of Veozah?
Mild side effects have been reported with Veozah. These include:
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Veozah unless your doctor recommends it.
See Veozah’s prescribing information for details, including specifics about how often side effects occurred in the drug’s studies.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
What are the serious side effects of Veozah?
Elevated liver enzymes have been reported with Veozah. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Veozah, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Veozah, visit MedWatch.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Veozah can cause an allergic reaction, but this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Veozah.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Veozah, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
FAQ about Veozah’s side effects
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Veozah’s side effects.
Does Veozah cause weight gain or weight loss?
No, it’s not believed to. Neither weight gain nor weight loss were reported as side effects in studies of Veozah.
Veozah is prescribed to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms caused by menopause. Gradual weight gain during menopause is common. There are numerous factors that determine why some women gain weight around menopause, including your genetics and lifestyle. But Veozah isn’t expected to cause weight gain or weight loss.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your weight and what factors could influence it.
Does Veozah have any contraindications?
Yes, Veozah has several contraindications. A contraindication is a reason (a condition or factor)for a person to not be prescribed a certain drug due to the risk of harm.
Veozah has three contraindications:
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about contraindications for Veozah, including whether they apply to you.
Side effects explained
Learn more about some of the side effects Veozah may cause.
Hot flashes
Hot flashes were a common side effect reported in studies of Veozah. While common compared to other side effects, most people who took Veozah in these studies did not experience hot flashes as a side effect.
Hot flashes may cause symptoms such as:
It’s important to note that hot flashes are also a common menopause symptom. It may be difficult to tell whether your symptoms are a side effect of Veozah or a symptom of menopause. Veozah is prescribed to treat hot flashes caused by menopause, which complicates addressing this side effect.
Certain factors can trigger a hot flash. These triggers vary from one person to another, but some examples include:
What might help
There are several strategies to help prevent or treat hot flashes.
First, if you can figure out your triggers, avoiding them can help prevent hot flashes. It may be helpful to keep a journal about your symptoms and try to identify what may trigger them.
Some tips to help relieve hot flash symptoms include sipping ice water and practicing stress reduction techniques such as yoga or guided breathing.
If you have persistent hot flashes during Veozah treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend trying a different medication to treat your menopause symptoms.
Elevated liver enzymes
Elevated liver enzymes were a side effect reported in studies of Veozah but weren’t common. Elevated liver enzymes usually don’t cause symptoms. While it’s rare, they can be a sign of liver damage or other problems. However, liver damage was not reported as a side effect in studies of Veozah.
If you have an existing liver problem, you may have a higher risk of this side effect. It’s also possible that taking Veozah could worsen your condition.
What might help
Before you start Veozah treatment, your doctor will likely order blood tests, including a liver function test, to check your liver enzyme levels. If these levels are high, your doctor may not prescribe Veozah for you. They may also reorder these blood tests periodically throughout your Veozah treatment.
While taking Veozah, immediately notify your doctor if you experience symptoms of liver problems. Examples include jaundice (yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes), and stool that is pale, black, or bloody.
Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Veozah if you have a severe liver problem, including cirrhosis.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Veozah treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Veozah affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Warnings for Veozah
Veozah can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Veozah is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before taking Veozah. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Common and Mild Side Effects of Veozah:
Serious Side Effects of Veozah:
Veozah does not cause weight gain or weight loss. The information above also indicates some contraindications, including:
What Are the Common Side Effects of Veozah?
Veozah, like many medications, can cause side effects. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms are generally mild and often resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.
How Can I Manage Nausea From Veozah?
To manage nausea caused by Veozah, try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day and avoid rich, spicy, or fatty foods. Staying hydrated and drinking ginger tea might also help alleviate nausea.
### Is Dizziness a Serious Side Effect of Veozah?
Dizziness is a known side effect of Veozah but is usually not serious. If you experience dizziness, try sitting or lying down until it passes, and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
What Should I Do If I Experience a Severe Headache on Veozah?
If you have a severe headache while taking Veozah, it’s important to rest and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but consult your doctor if headaches persist or become too severe.
Can Fatigue From Veozah Affect My Daily Activities?
Fatigue is a possible side effect of Veozah and can affect daily activities. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in light exercise to boost your energy levels.
When Should I Contact My Doctor About Veozah Side Effects?
Contact your doctor if side effects are severe, persist for an extended period, or cause significant discomfort. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions.
Are There Long-Term Side Effects of Veozah?
Currently, there is limited information on the long-term side effects of Veozah. It’s important to have regular consultations with your healthcare provider to monitor your health while on medication.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Minimize Veozah Side Effects?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration can help minimize some side effects of Veozah. Always discuss with your healthcare provider any lifestyle strategies you plan to implement.
