What is the recommended dosage for Journavx?

Journavx (Suzetrigine) Dosing

The FDA-approved dosing for Journavx (suzetrigine) has not been explicitly detailed in the provided evidence, but based on the available research, the medication was approved in January 2025 for moderate to severe acute pain in adults, with clinical trials utilizing specific dosing regimens that demonstrated efficacy over 48 hours post-procedure. 1, 2

Standard Dosing Information

• Suzetrigine is administered orally and reaches peak plasma concentrations (Tmax) approximately 3 hours after ingestion under fasting conditions 2
• The effective half-life is 23.6 hours, allowing for sustained analgesic effect 2
• Clinical trials evaluated suzetrigine in acute postoperative pain following abdominoplasty and bunionectomy, demonstrating statistically significant pain reduction over 48 hours compared to placebo 2

Pharmacokinetic Considerations

• Suzetrigine is primarily eliminated via hepatic metabolism, which may require dose adjustments in patients with significant liver impairment 2
• The medication does not cross the blood-brain barrier, providing peripheral analgesia without central nervous system effects such as sedation, respiratory depression, or addiction potential 2, 3
• Suzetrigine exhibits state-dependent inhibition of Nav1.8 channels with nanomolar potency and >31,000-fold selectivity over other sodium channel subtypes 2

Clinical Context and Limitations

• Current evidence is limited to short-duration treatment in minimally to moderately painful ambulatory procedures 3
• Suzetrigine appears less potent than hydrocodone-acetaminophen in the acute postoperative setting, and its efficacy for more severe postoperative pain remains unclear 3
• Long-term safety, efficacy, and addiction potential have not been established for chronic pain management 3
• Ongoing trials are exploring novel formulations and integration into multimodal pain regimens for both surgical and non-surgical pain 2

Important Caveats

• This is the first non-opioid analgesic approved since celecoxib in 1998, representing a new therapeutic class of Nav1.8 inhibitors 1
• The medication acts exclusively on peripheral nociceptors without affecting central pain pathways, distinguishing it from traditional opioid and non-opioid analgesics 2
• Specific dosing recommendations, titration schedules, and maximum daily doses are not provided in the available evidence and should be obtained from the official FDA prescribing information or drug label 1, 2