What is the newest prescription medication for hot flushes?
The newest prescription medication for menopausal hot flushes is fezolinetant, a non-hormonal treatment specifically targeting vasomotor symptoms.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Fezolinetant is a neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptor antagonist approved in the US and under review in the UK and Europe. It works by blocking the brain signals responsible for triggering hot flushes, providing effective relief without hormones. Early studies show significant reduction in hot flushes compared to placebo. For updates, check the NHS menopause treatment page.
Clinical Context
Fezolinetant is suitable for women who cannot or do not wish to use HRT. It is the first-in-class treatment developed specifically for menopausal hot flushes, but may not yet be widely available in the UK.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Clinical trials (SKYLIGHT) show fezolinetant reduces hot flushes by more than 50%. Long-term data and UK regulatory updates are awaited. For professional updates, see NICE menopause guidelines.