Journavx®
GoodRxSuzetrigine 50 mg · oral tablet
Analgesics
Approved uses
Moderate to severe acute pain, including post-operative pain
100 mg orally as the starting dose on an empty stomach, then 50 mg every 12 hours with or without food, for the shortest duration appropriate
A selective NaV1.8 blocker: not an opioid, no addiction liability, which is the reason to reach for it first
Contraindications
Concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated.
Available FormsSuzetrigine 50 mg film-coated tablets.
Mechanism of ActionSuzetrigine is a selective blocker of the Na V 1.8 voltage-gated sodium channel, compared to other known voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V 1.1 through 1.9). Na V 1.8 is expressed in peripheral sensory neurons including dorsal root ganglion neurons, where its role is to transmit pain signals (action potentials). By selectively inhibiting Na V 1.8 channels, suzetrigine inhibits transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. M6-SUZ, a major active metabolite, is a less potent inhibitor of Na V 1.8 than suzetrigine by 3.7-fold.
Warnings & Precautions
- Avoid concomitant use with strong CYP3A inhibitors, which raise suzetrigine exposure.
- Avoid in patients with hepatic impairment.
- Avoid concomitant use of hormonal contraceptives that contain progestins other than levonorgestrel or norethindrone; an additional non-hormonal method is advised.
Common Side Effects
The most common adverse reactions (greater incidence in JOURNAVX-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients) were pruritus, muscle spasms, increased creatine phosphokinase, and rash.
Pregnancy & LactationPregnancy: Not stated on the FDA label. Available data are insufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk.
Lactation: No data on presence in human milk or effects on the breastfed infant.
Pediatric UseThe safety and effectiveness of JOURNAVX has not been established in pediatric patients.