The British Menopause Society (BMS) is delighted with the news that the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has licensed fezolinetant for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms. Fezolinetant will be available in the UK from January 2024 with a set price of £44.80 in private practice.
Consultant Gynaecologist and Trustee of the British Menopause Society, Mr Haitham Hamoda, said: “Hot flushes and night sweats, often referred to as vasomotor symptoms (VMS), are the most common symptoms of the menopause.
“Having access to fezolinetant, a new non-hormonal treatment option, will increase the options available to women, in particular those who can’t take HRT or do not wish to take it. It is likely to offer many women experiencing VMS considerable improvement in their day-to-day life.
“Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) can have a significant impact on many women, with more than 75% experiencing VMS and a quarter describing their symptoms as severe. A third of women experience long-term symptoms, which may last as much as seven years or longer.”
Hot flushes are commonly defined as temporary periods of intense heat in the upper body, arms and face. They are often followed by flushing of the skin and profuse sweating. Many hot flushes are followed by chills and are often accompanied by palpitations and a sense of anxiety.