NICE Backs Non-Hormonal Pill Veoza for Menopausal Hot Flushes on NHS

NICE has recommended the daily pill Veoza for treating moderate to severe menopausal hot flushes and night sweats on the NHS in England; Veoza was approved in 2023 and this recommendation makes it a new non-hormonal option for eligible patients.

“- Published A drug for treating hot flushes and night sweats during the menopause is now available on the NHS in England when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) isn't suitable”

BBC

"The daily pill Veoza was approved in 2023 - but has only now been recommended for treating moderate to severe symptoms of menopausal hot flushes and night sweats on the NHS, by NICE."

BBC

"The decision applies in England."

"HRT is still the first-line treatment option, NICE says, because of its clear benefits and the range of different types available, and it's thought most women will continue to take HRT."

The recommendation applies to England specifically; the BBC notes that Wales and Northern Ireland often follow NICE guidance while Scotland has a separate drug-approval body that has not recommended Veoza for use on its NHS.

"The decision applies in England. Wales and Northern Ireland often follow the same NICE guidance, while Scotland has its own body that makes decisions on new drugs and has not recommended its use on the NHS, external."

BBC

"The decision applies in England."

"Scotland has its own body that makes decisions on new drugs and has not recommended its use on the NHS."

NICE positions Veoza as a non-hormonal alternative rather than a replacement for hormone replacement therapy (HRT); the guidance emphasises HRT's clear benefits and expects most women to continue on HRT while Veoza targets those who cannot or prefer not to take hormones.

“- Published A drug for treating hot flushes and night sweats during the menopause is now available on the NHS in England when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) isn't suitable”

BBC

"HRT is still the first-line treatment option, NICE says, because of its clear benefits and the range of different types available, and it's thought most women will continue to take HRT."

"Women who have had breast cancer in the past and have finished their treatment may be able to take it, but it would depend on their individual situation."

"The daily pill Veoza was approved in 2023 - but has only now been recommended for treating moderate to severe symptoms of menopausal hot flushes and night sweats on the NHS, by NICE."

NHS England's women's health lead, Dr Sue Mann, welcomed the recommendation, saying menopausal symptoms can affect every part of a woman's life and that Veoza will be particularly valuable for those who are unable or unwilling to take HRT; she added it could help hundreds of thousands of women manage symptoms and feel more in control.

"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 women's life'."

BBC

"She said the news was 'very welcome', especially for women who are unable to take HRT or don't want to take it."

"Dr Mann said the drug could help hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause to manage their symptoms better and feel more in control of their health."

Availability and patient eligibility will depend on individual clinical judgement and regional decisions; the BBC stresses that some women — including those with a history of breast cancer — may be considered for Veoza once their treatment is finished, but each case should be assessed individually and Scottish NHS policy currently differs.

“- Published A drug for treating hot flushes and night sweats during the menopause is now available on the NHS in England when HRT (hormone replacement therapy) isn't suitable”

BBC

"Women who have had breast cancer in the past and have finished their treatment may be able to take it, but it would depend on their individual situation."

BBC

"Scotland has its own body that makes decisions on new drugs and has not recommended its use on the NHS."

"The decision applies in England."