What are the guidelines for using Journavx (vaccine/medication)?

Journavx (Suzetrigine) Guidelines for Use

Journavx (suzetrigine) is FDA-approved for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in adults, representing the first non-opioid analgesic in a new therapeutic class of selective NaV1.8 sodium channel inhibitors. 1

Mechanism of Action and Clinical Positioning

• Suzetrigine is a highly selective oral inhibitor of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.8, which is expressed exclusively in peripheral pain-sensing neurons but not in the brain 1
• The drug prevents transmission of pain signals by blocking NaV1.8 channels along peripheral pain-sensing neurons, inhibiting normal action potential propagation 1
• This peripheral selectivity distinguishes it from opioids, offering reduced risk of central nervous system effects, misuse, and dependence 2

Approved Indication and Patient Population

• FDA approval (January 30,2025) is specifically for moderate to severe acute pain in adults 1
• Current evidence supports use in perioperative settings for minimally to moderately painful ambulatory procedures 2
• Suzetrigine appears less potent than hydrocodone-acetaminophen combinations for acute pain management 2

Clinical Efficacy Considerations

• The drug shows potential for treating acute pain in the perioperative period, particularly for procedures with mild to moderate expected pain intensity 2
• Efficacy in treating more severe postoperative pain remains unclear and requires further investigation 2
• All current studies are limited to short treatment durations; long-term efficacy, safety, and addiction potential for chronic pain management have not been established 2

Important Limitations and Cautions

• Do not use suzetrigine for chronic pain management outside of clinical trials, as long-term safety and efficacy data are not yet available 2
• The drug's effectiveness compared to established analgesics in severe acute pain scenarios requires additional study 2
• Consider suzetrigine as part of multimodal analgesia strategies for acute pain, particularly when opioid-sparing approaches are prioritized 2

Key Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume equivalent efficacy to combination opioid-acetaminophen products for all acute pain scenarios, as current evidence suggests lower potency 2
• Avoid prescribing for chronic pain conditions until additional safety and efficacy data become available 2
• Do not use in patients requiring management of severe acute pain where more established analgesics would be more appropriate 2