Home Drug Guide Fezolinetant

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Fezolinetant

Brand Names Veozah

Classification

Therapeutic: Vasomotor symptom treatment in menopause

Pharmacological: Selective neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3) antagonist

FDA Approved Indications

Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause

Mechanism of Action

Fezolinetant works by antagonizing neurokinin 3 receptors in the hypothalamus, which modulates the neurokinin B pathway involved in the regulation of hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initially, 45 mg orally once daily, can be adjusted based on response and tolerability.

Pediatric: Not indicated.

Geriatric: No specific dose adjustment recommended, but caution advised due to potential increased sensitivity.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; no specific dose adjustment established.

Hepatic Impairment: Use is not recommended in severe hepatic impairment; adjust dose in mild to moderate impairment.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Widely distributed in tissues; volume of distribution not specified.

Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver via CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 enzymes.

Excretion: Excreted mainly via feces and urine.

Half Life: Approximately 11 hours.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to fezolinetant or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, as pharmacokinetics may be altered.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Nausea (Unknown)
Headache (Unknown)
Vaginal bleeding (Unknown)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Elevated liver enzymes (Rare)
Serious hypersensitivity reactions (Very rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase fezolinetant levels; CYP3A4 inducers may decrease levels.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor vasomotor symptoms and liver function tests periodically.

Diagnoses:

Risk for injury related to vasomotor symptoms.

Implementation: Administer orally once daily; advise patients to report any abnormal symptoms, especially signs of liver dysfunction.

Evaluation: Assess efficacy in reducing vasomotor symptoms and monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication as prescribed, at the same time daily.
Report any symptoms of liver problems, such as jaundice or dark urine.
Discuss potential side effects and the importance of regular liver function tests.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

None currently issued for fezolinetant.

Genetic Factors: Unknown impact; no pharmacogenomic data available.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or other unexpected symptoms.

Treatment: Supportive care; there is no specific antidote. Consider gastric decontamination if ingestion is recent.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.