17 March 2026
It is expected that around 500,000 women who are not suitable for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will benefit from fezolinetant on the NHS.
The daily medication, which is sold under the brand name Veoza, works by blocking nerve pathways in the brain that trigger hot flushes and night sweats.
The latest General Optical Council data shows that 64% of UK optometrists and dispensing opticians are female.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) director of medicines evaluation, Helen Knight, highlighted that hot flushes and night sweats can have a “profound impact” on quality of life.
“For those who are unable to take HRT for varying reasons, options have historically been limited, and we have heard clearly from patients how difficult that can be,” she said.
“The evidence shows fezolinetant can meaningfully reduce symptoms, and was found to be cost effective, offering value for the taxpayer. This decision will give much-needed relief to those for whom HRT is unsuitable,” Knight emphasised.
Fezolinetant can be used when HRT is not clinically recommended – for example, in cases of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
The medication can also be used following a clinical risk assessment in some cases of diabetes or heart disease.
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