On Jan. 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Journavx (suzetrigine) 50 milligram oral tablets, a first-in-class non-opioid analgesic, to treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. Manufactured by Vertex, Journavx reduces pain by targeting a pain-signaling pathway involving sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system before pain signals reach the brain.
Journavx is not a controlled substance and is the first drug to be approved in this new class of pain management medicines. The medication’s labeling does not include language regarding the potential for addiction or abuse.
Acute pain is defined as short-term pain lasting less than three months, usually from injury, surgery, illness, trauma, or painful medical procedures. Acute pain lessens over time and is often treated with analgesics that may or may not contain opioids.
Despite the potential benefits of a non-opioid treatment, generically available opioids (generics to Vicodin, Percocet, etc.) will likely remain the standard of care for acute pain treatment. However, Journavx provides a treatment option for certain individuals or procedures for pain control.
The recommended starting dose of Journavx is 100 mg on an empty stomach, followed by 50 mg every 12 hours. The use of Journavx for the treatment of acute pain has not been studied beyond 14 days.
MyMatrixx Actions
MyMatrixx is dedicated to helping our clients monitor and manage the cost and utilization of opioids and other pain medications within their claims. We will continue to evaluate Journavx to determine if it is an appropriate addition to our formularies. If you have any questions, please reach out to your MyMatrixx account team.