JOURNAVX® (suzetrigine) is a first-in-class, non-opioid analgesic approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe short term acute pain in adults, including postoperative pain.  

There have been multiple cases in which JOURNAVX is being prescribed for chronic pain management, including prescriptions without a defined stop date and refill patterns extending well beyond the intended treatment period for acute pain.

FDA-approved prescribing information:

Key Points for the Nursing Care Team when using Journavx:

• Use JOURNAVX only when an appropriate acute pain indication is documented.

• Prescribe for the shortest duration consistent with patient treatment goals and include stop date.

• Use beyond 14 days has not been evaluated; ongoing or chronic use should prompt review and consideration of alternative chronic pain management strategies.

• People with liver problems may have an increased risk of getting side effects from taking JOURNAVX

• Concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated.

• Renal/hepatic impairment: No dosage adjustment is recommended for mild or moderate renal impairment; avoid use in severe renal impairment with eGFR less than 15 mL/min. Reduce dosing for moderate hepatic impairment and avoid use in severe hepatic impairment  

• Do not Crush Tablets

Alternative Suggested NON-Opioid Therapies for chronic use:

• Acetaminophen: Considered for mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain when clinically appropriate; monitor total daily dose and liver risk.

• Topical or oral NSAIDs: Consider for osteoarthritis or localized inflammatory pain when not contraindicated

• Neuropathic pain agents: Consider gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or certain tricyclic antidepressants based on diagnosis, tolerability, renal function, fall risk, and drug interactions.

• Topical therapies: Consider lidocaine, capsaicin, or topical NSAIDs for localized neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain.

• Nonpharmacologic therapies: physical therapy, heat/ice, weight management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other individualized supportive strategies.