The drug agency lists the symptoms that should alert.
The drug agency sounds alarm. Serious lesions in the liver have been observed in women taking a new drug marketed in France. “”The risk of serious liver damage could significantly affect its benefit-risk ratio“, Specifies the ANSM in its press release for healthcare professionals.
Faced with these concern undesirable effects, prescribing doctors (generalists, hepato-gastroenterologists …) and pharmacists must inform women of the signs of liver damage: fatigue, pruritus, jaundice, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, decrease in appetite or abdominal pain. They must immediately consult a doctor in case of appearance of these symptoms. The medication instructions have been updated to reflect these new security data.
This treatment is indicated in the event of heat puffs associated with menopause. Produced by the Astellas Pharma laboratory, its name is “Veoza”. It is presented as an alternative without hormones to the hormonal treatment of menopause (THM). It contains fezolinents which, unlike conventional treatments, acts in the brain, more precisely on a system involved in the regulation of body temperature. Available in France since April 8, 2025, only on prescription, it appears on list I of drugs which implies reinforced monitoring during its prescription and its use.
Before its establishment, a liver assessment (BH) must be carried out. During the first 3 months of treatment, it is essential to monitor liver function each month. If the patient has symptoms suggesting liver damage, a BH should be made. In addition, the treatment should be stopped if the rate of transaminases and/or total bilirubin is too high. Increases in liver balance sheet parameters and symptoms suggesting liver lesion are generally reversible to stopping treatment.