3 Types of Veozah Interactions to Watch Out For

Veozah (fezolinetant) is a medication that treats hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. But it isn’t hormone-based. Instead, it blocks a chemical in the brain that regulates your body temperature. So it’s a popular choice for those seeking a hormone-free treatment option.

But just because it’s hormone-free doesn’t mean that Veozah is risk-free. Just like any medication, Veozah has drug interactions that can raise the risk of unwanted side effects. Knowing what to watch out for can help protect your safety while taking Veozah.

Veozah interactions at a glance

Below is a list of Veozah interactions to be aware of. In some cases, you should avoid combining Veozah with certain medications. But in others, you may just require additional monitoring.

Medications and substances to avoid combining with Veozah include:

• Amiodarone (Pacerone)

• Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)

• Ciprofloxacin

• Fluvoxamine

• Verapamil

• Alcohol

• Caffeine

Medications that may require additional monitoring when combined with Veozah include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Antiseizure medications

• Methotrexate (Trexall)

• Risperidone (Risperdal)

• Oral antifungals

• Statins (medications that treat high cholesterol levels)

• Some antiviral medications that treat HIV

Let’s look at each type of Veozah interaction and the medications affected.

1. Medications that increase Veozah levels in the body

Veozah is broken down by a liver enzyme (protein) known as CYP1A2. Certain medications can block this enzyme from working, which can increase Veozah levels in the body. In turn, this can raise the risk of Veozah side effects, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and liver problems.

It’s recommended to avoid combining Veozah with medications that block CYP1A2 in the body. These include:

• Amiodarone, a medication for irregular heart rhythm

• Cimetidine, a histamine-2 receptor blocker for heartburn and acid reflux

• Ciprofloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic

• Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant

• Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker that treats heart-related conditions

It’s unlikely that you’ll know if a medication you’re taking blocks CYP1A2 in the body. So it’s important to present your medication list to your prescriber before you start taking Veozah to check for this interaction. In many cases, they may be able to switch you to a different medication in the same drug class that doesn’t have this Veozah interaction. You should also check with your prescriber before starting any new medications while you’re taking Veozah.

2. Medications that may raise the risk of liver problems with Veozah

Veozah can raise your risk of liver damage. This side effect isn’t common with Veozah on its own. But combining it with other medications that can also harm your liver could increase your risk. These include:

• Acetaminophen, especially with large doses and regular use

• Antiseizure medications, such as valproic acid (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and lamotrigine (Lamictal)

• Methotrexate, a medication for certain autoimmune conditions and cancers

• Risperidone, an antipsychotic

• Oral antifungals, such as fluconazole and terbinafine

• Statins, such as simvastatin and rosuvastatin

• Antiviral medications that treat HIV, such as efavirenz (Sustiva) and ritonavir (Norvir)

You may still be able to take Veozah with one or more of these medications. But your prescriber may check your liver enzymes more often to watch for any signs of liver problems. Let them know right away if any signs of liver problems appear while taking Veozah, such as:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

• Dark-colored urine

• Itchy skin

• Bloated or enlarged abdomen

• Clay-colored stools

3. Substances that may prevent Veozah from working as well

It’s best to avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine while you’re taking Veozah. Both substances can worsen hot flashes, which can prevent Veozah from working as well.

Alcohol and caffeine can also worsen sleep problems during menopause. Veozah is also associated with insomnia. So this combination could make it even harder to get quality sleep.

Alcohol may also raise the risk of liver problems while taking Veozah due to its harmful effects on your liver. This is especially true if you drink large amounts of alcohol.

Talk to your prescriber about how much, if any, alcohol or caffeine is OK for you while taking Veozah.

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Written by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS

Ferras Bashqoy, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPPS, is a clinical pharmacotherapy specialist in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital in NYC. He enjoys working with preterm newborns, as they are small but mighty.

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