Fezolinetant

What is this medication for?

Fezolinetant is a non-hormonal medication used to treat moderate to severe hot flushes (a form of vasomotor symptoms) during menopause. Hot flushes are feelings of warmth in the face, neck, chest, and/or sudden intense feelings of heat and sweating.

Menopause occurs when your menstrual periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It begins when you have gone through 12 months without a menstrual period.

This medication works by blocking certain signals in the brain that control body temperature, which helps reduce hot flushes.
 

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Take one tablet once daily at about the same time each day.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with liquid. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet.
   

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 12 hours of your usual timing. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the next day. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.  

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have liver problems or liver disease.
• You have severe kidney problems.

IMPORTANT:  
Fezolinetant can cause rare, but serious liver injury. 
Your doctor will do blood tests to check your liver: 

• Before starting this medication
• Monthly for the first 3 months of treatment
• At 6 months and 9 months after starting treatment
• If you develop signs or symptoms of liver problems

Stop taking this medication and see your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any signs of liver problems such as:

• Feeling more tired than usual
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Itching
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Pale coloured stools
• Dark urine
• Pain in the upper right of the stomach 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Diarrhea (loose and frequent stools). Drink plenty of clear fluids (at least 2 liters every day). Avoid milk, dairy products, high-fiber food, and oily or spicy food.
• Insomnia (difficulty in falling and/or staying asleep)
• Stomach or back pain

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms including signs and symptoms of liver injury as described above, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Some medications might interact with this medication. Check with your healthcare professional if you want to take any other medicines, supplements or herbal products.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.