We have all experienced/are experiencing pain in some form of fashion during our lives. For the acute, short-lived pains, OTC meds such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or Tylenol usually work until the pain resolves. However, many people experience chronic pain, with lower back pain being the most common. The OTC meds do not seem to work very well for these pains and doctors may prescribe prescription strength NSAIDS (800 mg ibuprofen, Diclofenac (Voltaren) or similar medications. When pain is severe, controlled pain medications such as hydrodocone, oxycodone, morphine or fentanyl may be prescribed. The major issues for these medications are the addiction potentials as well as potential death when overdoses are taken. The death issue is well chronicled with the illicit use of Fentanyl.
The FDA recently approved a new pain medication that acts by different mechanisms than the opioids. Journavx (suzetrigine), a first-in-class, non-opioid pain medication, for treating moderate to severe acute pain in adults, offering a potential alternative to opioids with a lower risk of addiction. Here’s a more detailed look at the key facts:
What it is: Journavx is a non-opioid pain medication designed to treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults.
How it works: It targets pain signals in the peripheral nervous system, blocking specific proteins that trigger pain signals before they reach the brain, unlike opioids which bind to brain receptors.
Why it’s important: It’s the first new type of pain medication to be approved in over two decades, offering an alternative to opioids, which carry a high risk of dependence and addiction.
Clinical Trials: In clinical trials, Journavx showed a statistically significant reduction in pain compared to a placebo, and was found to be as effective as hydrocodone for reducing acute pain.
Side effects: The most common side effects include itching, rash, and muscle spasms. It’s also important to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit products while taking Journavx, as they may interfere with the medication.
Discovery: The development of suzetrigine was inspired by a family of firewalkers in Pakistan who could walk over hot coals without flinching, due to a lack of a gene allowing pain signals to fire in their skin.
Cost: Journavx has a list price of $15.50 per pill, which is significantly more expensive than comparable opioid.
Chronic pain is a horrible, life-damaging issues that afflicts millions of people. Perhaps the price of Journavx comes down to a reasonable option for those chronic pain patients that would benefit from a non-addicting pain medication.
Personally, my back has been bad for a week and with 3 previous back surgeries, I certainly can empathize with anyone out there experiencing chronic, unrelenting pain. None of us have time for pain….so let’s enjoy Carly Simon.
