48,000 women in Scotland due to benefit as menopause drug prescribed
It is hoped the new medicine will help those suffering from the most severe night sweats and hot flushes
Women across Scotland will now be able to access a new non-hormonal treatment for severe menopause symptoms on the NHS.
Around 48,000 menopausal women are expected to be prescribed Fezolinetant for hot flushes and night sweats after the Scottish Medicines Consortium approved it as a medicine on the NHS.
The 45mg daily tablet will be suitable for those who are not able to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Experts behind the drug say it could help tackle symptoms which cause sleep disturbance, low mood, anxiety, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, all of which can lead to poorer overall health and more days off of work.
Dr Kay McAllister, clinical lead for menopause at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “Today’s decision marks a positive development for the wellbeing of Scottish women.
“In clinical practice, I see how hot flushes and night sweats impact sleep and overall quality of life in my patients.
“The availability of this targeted treatment offers welcome choice and further options for patients.”
GP Dr Sigi Joseph added: “In primary care, we regularly see the significant impact of hot flushes and night sweats on women’s lives.
“Today’s decision helps address long-standing inequities and opens up more options for the appropriate patients in managing these symptoms.”
This medicine works by blocking the transmitters in the brain related to hot flushes. It is hoped the medicine will reduce both the frequency and the severity of hot flushes and night sweats.
It has already been approved for use in 45 countries worldwide, including the EU, Australia, Canada, the US and Switzerland.
However, campaigners in Scotland say many women already have difficulty in accessing some menopausal treatments such as HRT.
Jacqui Dillon from Menopause Warriors Scotland welcomed the prescribing of the new drug, but said there needs to be a wider conversation on women being able to access both HRT and Fezolinetant.
Speaking to The Scotsman, she said: “If this is something else that is going to help women, then we absolutely welcome that.
“However there are already products out there and there is a reluctance to prescribe it to women.
“Hot flushes are not the most common symptom of menopause and for many women it is still very difficult to get HRT from their doctor.
“We need to have a lot more research done on what is already available and why it is not being prescribed to women - we must address barriers around prescribing for menopausal women.”
Perimenopause is when periods become irregular due to a drop in hormone levels, usually between the ages of 45 and 55 - menopause is reached 12 months after periods stop altogether.
Common symptoms include hot flushes, low mood and problems with sleep and memory.
HRT is one of the most common treatment options for menopausal women, however it has been in short supply in Scotland for the past three years.
It is currently listed under Community Pharmacy Scotland’s ‘serious shortage protocol’, and the group says this is due to both a shortage of raw materials and an increase in demand.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.