For the first time in almost a quarter-century, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a non-opioid drug, Journavx, for pain management. We’ll tell you what is currently known about this strangely named but potentially revolutionary drug.
What Is Journavx?
Journavx (suzetrigine) is a brand new medication developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of chronic pain. It’s an analgesic, meaning a type of medication that reduces feelings of pain in the body.
In clinical trials, Journavx demonstrated significant pain reduction on par with opioids like hydrocodone. What makes it unique, however, is that it’s not an opioid, meaning it provides significant pain relief without the risk of addiction. There is a lot of excitement in the press surrounding Journavx for this reason since it gives doctors a non-addictive option for pain management.
Does Journavx Work?
Journavx appears to work effectively for pain relief based on clinical trials. It has been shown to significantly reduce moderate-to-severe acute pain when compared to a placebo.
According to the FDA, Journavx went through two Phase III clinical trials of acute postoperative pain. In both trials, one of 874 people and the other of 256, the drug yielded scientifically significant pain relief for those suffering moderate-to-severe pain.
As far as side effects go, the most commonly reported were itching, muscle spasms, rash, and increased levels of creatine phosphokinase (an enzyme used to rebuild muscles; can lead to kidney damage if levels are too high).
How Does Journavx Work?
Journavx works by inhibiting NaV1.8 sodium channels in the peripheral nervous system, effectively blocking pain signals before they reach the brain.
What does this mean in plain English?
Pain signals in the nervous system are comprised of tiny channels, called Nav1.8 sodium channels. Normally, these channels let in sodium ions, which then enter the nerve receptors, sending pain signals from your body to your brain.
By blocking these channels, Journavx stops those pain signals from traveling through your nerves.
How Does Journavx Compare to Other Non-Opioid Painkillers?
Journavx stands out in comparison to other non-opioid painkillers due to its unique mechanism of action and higher effectiveness in pain management.
Here are the differences:
- Journavx blocks NaV1.8 sodium pathways in the central nervous system; Other non-opioid killers – NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin – reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen dulls pain perception but the exact mechanism there is not fully understood.
- As with any drug, Journavx has side effects, including muscle spasms, itching, and potential muscle damage (leading to elevated CPK levels). However, it doesn’t carry the same risks of addiction, overdose, or respiratory depression that opioids do. NSAIDs can lead to gastrointestinal issues, kidney issues, and higher blood pressure. Acetaminophen, while generally safer, can cause liver damage if overused.
- Journavx has been shown in clinical trials to be effective for moderate-to-severe pain, on par with opioids like hydrocodone; NSAIDs and acetaminophen are best for mild-to-moderate pain.
The one similarity is addiction potential. Journavx, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen are non-addictive.
Benefits and Risks of Journals
Journavx is shown to effectively treat moderate-to-severe acute pain, comparable to opioids like hydrocodone, without the same risks. It works by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain, helping to manage intense discomfort, especially after injury or surgery.
The main benefit of Journavx is that it’s non-addictive and doesn’t carry the risk of fatal overdose. This is significant because the US has been dealing with an ongoing opioid crisis for over a decade.
As far as risks go, Journavx may have side effects. The main one to be aware of is muscle spasms. Elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme linked to muscle injury, have been reported in some trials. This could suggest the drug is causing stress or damage to muscles, which might need to be monitored.
In severe cases, muscle damage can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle breakdown leads to the release of muscle proteins into the bloodstream, which can harm the kidneys.
While less dangerous than opioids for pain, itching, and rashes are also reported side effects to be aware of.
Note: While initial trials show promise, Journavx’s long-term safety data is still limited. It is a newer medication, so we don’t yet know all of the potential side effects that could emerge with extended use.
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Call 866-881-1184Opioid Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for opioid addiction, South Coast Behavioral Health is here to help. The first step in treating addiction is a medical detox. This means using drugs to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Our medical detox program in California is staffed by caring and compassionate professionals who can provide you with medications to manage your withdrawal symptoms.
At South Coast, we take pride in offering care that is closely tailored to specific issues. To that end, we offer gender-specific detox programs, with medical detox for men in Irvine, CA, and medical detox for women in Huntington Beach, CA.
After detoxing, proper treatment can begin.
Treatment for substance abuse takes place along an entire spectrum of care. Along that entire spectrum are various behavioral therapies, support groups, and the use of medically-assisted treatment (MAT).
These levels of treatment are, in order, as follows:
Residential Treatment in California
After successfully completing medical detox, you’ll receive inpatient treatment in Orange County, California. There, you’ll receive medically-assisted treatment and dual diagnosis treatment to deal with any cravings or co-occurring mental health issues you may be battling.
We also offer residential treatment facilities in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Huntington Beach for those who desire gender-specific treatment. There, patients get round-the-clock medical attention and monitoring while living at the institution full-time.
In addition to individual and group counseling and medication management, you’ll also have access to leisure activities and family support services.
Partial Hospitalization in California
Most clients start opioid abuse treatment with South Coast in our residential treatment program. After completing that, many desire something that still provides structure and support but with extra space and time to oneself. For that, we offer Partial Hospitalization in Newport Beach.
A step down from inpatient care but with more structure than conventional outpatient programs, partial hospitalization offers a good balance for those looking to ease back into normal life. Clients can receive care five to seven days a week for a number of hours each day, returning back to their homes in the evening.
This way, they can recover without putting their daily lives completely on hold, receiving intense therapeutic interventions like group and individual therapy, skill development, and medication management as necessary.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment in California
For those leaving inpatient residential treatment or partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for opioid addiction are yet another gradual step forward on the road to recovery.
With a focus on group therapy, individual counseling, and education, clients undergoing Intensive Outpatient Treatment in Newport Beach can meet three to five days a week. Each session lasts three hours.
This level of care requires the least amount of attendance at a facility.
What Are the Benefits of Rehab in Oklahoma City?
Attending rehab in Oklahoma can improve your life in numerous ways:
- Comprehensive Treatment Options: Rehabilitation centers in Oklahoma City offer diverse programs, including inpatient, outpatient, and specialized care for different types of addictions. These programs are tailored to individual needs, ensuring a personalized approach to recovery.
- Medical Supervision: Rehabs in Oklahoma City often provide medical detox services, ensuring the safe management of withdrawal symptoms. This is especially important for substances with severe or life-threatening withdrawal effects, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids
- Evidence-based Therapies: Treatment centers in Oklahoma incorporate evidence-based therapies like CBT and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). These therapies address both the physical and psychological components of addiction, helping individuals achieve sustainable recovery.
- Mental Health Support: Many people with substance use disorders have co-occurring mental health conditions. Oklahoma City rehab centers often provide dual diagnosis treatment, integrating care for mental health in order to treat co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Community Support: Rehabs in the area frequently facilitate group therapy sessions and support networks such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). These foster connections with others who understand the challenges of recovery, offering encouragement and accountability.
What Is Rehab in Oklahoma City Like?
Rehab in Oklahoma City is designed to provide individuals with the care, structure, and support they need to recover from substance abuse and addiction. The process is comprehensive, focusing on personalized treatment, and guided by experienced professionals.
Here’s what the experience is typically like:
Initial Consultation
The rehab journey begins with an initial consultation or assessment. During this stage, medical professionals and addiction specialists evaluate the individual’s physical health, mental health, and substance use history. This comprehensive assessment helps determine the severity of the addiction, any co-occurring disorders, and the most appropriate level of care. This step ensures that treatment is tailored to the individual’s unique needs.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Once the assessment is complete, a personalized treatment plan is created. This plan outlines the specific therapies, medical interventions, and support systems that will be part of the recovery process. It may include medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms, followed by a combination of evidence-based therapies like CBT, group therapy, and family counseling.
For those with co-occurring mental health issues, dual diagnosis treatment is integrated into the plan. This individualized approach ensures that each person receives the care best suited to their recovery journey.
Expert Recovery Staff
Rehab centers in Oklahoma City are staffed by a team of experts, including addiction counselors, medical doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists. These professionals provide round-the-clock support, guidance, and encouragement. The staff’s expertise ensures that individuals receive high-quality care at every stage of their recovery, from detox to aftercare planning. Additionally, many programs include peer support specialists who have lived experience with addiction, offering relatable insight and inspiration.
Looking for quality substance abuse treatment that’s also affordable? South Coast accepts most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now.
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Pain medications are helpful for reducing pain, but they carry a risk for opioid use disorder. If you’re experiencing pain that’s led to an addiction to a pain drug, contact a treatment center today.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to opioids but wonder how long addiction treatment takes or have other questions about pain medicine, call us at 866-881-1184 or contact us here. Our highly qualified staff will be happy to help give you an idea of what to expect from your addiction recovery timeline, verify your insurance, and assist with any other questions you may have.
FAQ About Journavx
Journavx received FDA approval on January 30th, 2025, meaning it is now available.
According to the press release from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Journavx will cost $15.50 per pill.
MOA refers to the mechanism of action. For Journavx, the MOA blocks NaV18.8 sodium channels, preventing pain signals from being transmitted.
No, Journavx is not an NSAID. NSAID stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. While NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin work by reducing inflammation to alleviate pain, Journavx works through a MOA by blocking NaV1.8 sodium pathways.
