31-01-2025
FDA approves opiate-alternative acute pain management drug, local experts share their thoughts
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a new pain management drug which could change the way healthcare providers address pain management.
Suzetrigine, also known as Journavx, is classified within a new category of pain management medication without the same addictive qualities seen in many of its opiate competitors.
Primary Care Provider at Trillium Health Dr. Stuart MacKay explained how it works.
'Opioid pain medication acts on a receptor in the brain called the 'mu opioid receptor'. This receptor is involved in the way your body processes pain,' MacKay said. 'Journavx works through a different pathway upstream of that, working before the pain signal even reaches the brain.'
Rather than combat said pain at the brain, it functions at the peripheral site of pain. Journavx's manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals says this lessens the addictive potential.
'Taking opioids every day alters the neurochemistry of your brain, making it dependent on that drug. So the thought is, if providers start this medication where it doesn't have that same dependence potential, it could act as a safer medication overall for acute pain,' McKay said.
During its trial studies, Journavx was primarily researched in those experiencing pain due to abdominoplasties and bunionectomies. Currently, there is limited information available on if it is effective for prolonged chronic pain.
Dr. MacKay hopes for more research to be done because of this.
'I would love to see a non-opioid medication that we can use for people with chronic pain that's equally as effective as opioids,' MacKay said.
Among its disclosures, Vertex Pharmaceuticals noted multiple side effects of the drug including itching, muscle spasms and rash. They add those with pre-existing liver problems may be more prone to experiencing these side effects.
The full list of disclosures can be found on Vertex Pharmaceuticals' website.
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