I am starting a new discussion about Suzetrigine a novel drug for pain

Posted by kdks99 @kdks99, Jan 26 11:32am

ok...So here's what I know and what I think is true. This drug was FDA fast tracked. The results of the phase 3 clinical trial for acute pain were very good. It was on track to be approved on 1/30/25 but due to an executive order regarding FDA communications it is not clear if the FDA will be allowed to release the approval or not.
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/pain/opioid-alternatives
Vertex completed a phase 2 study and the results were inconclusive due to poor study design. After reviewing the results it is my opinion if a better designed phase 3 is approved the results will be similar to the study for acute pain. This is the first new non-opioid pain medicine in 20 years.

Once it is approved I plan on insisting my doctor writes an off label script so I can try it even though my pain, like your's is chronic. The side effect profile is excellent..i.e. there were actually MORE side effects in the placebo arm of the study... doesn't get better than that.

That being said, there is no information on the side effects for chronic pain, which would require long term use but after reviewing the research i will take a chance.

I am not sure about how the medicare coverage will work, but once it is approved I will look into it and share with you here. I think they may have to pay for it if your doctor writes a script off label or not.
https://www.nopainpact.com/pdf/Nopain_Act_Guide_Implementing.pdf
This has the potential for being a game changer so I think we need to educate our doctors and do
our own research.

Please let me know if I can provide links to more information that might help you.

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Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

At $15.50 a pill twice a day, it will be out of reach for most people unless covered by insurance. It will be useful for short term post op pain since it is non additive.

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@joannehart

At $15.50 a pill twice a day, it will be out of reach for most people unless covered by insurance. It will be useful for short term post op pain since it is non additive.

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i tried to post a link that provided a coupon for a reduced price for certain groups (medicare, medicaid veterans, etc) but the moderator reprimanded me i guess that is not allowed ....hopefully those who need/want it will be able to find it somewhere. sorry

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thank you...for some reason they would not let me share this link but i think it may be helpful for those who are interested in trying this off-label

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From my reading, it was not a benefit over opioids for chronic long-term pain, but rather for postoperative hospital pain control.

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Yes, you are correct

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What Doctors will be able to prescribe this new drug? I do not think my GP would prescribe this new pain reliever .

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Thanks for all the information looks interesting

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My doc already wrote the script. Has anyone heard if it's been released?

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@joannehart

Good idea. It will take years for the cost to go down. I probably won’t see it in my life time

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I won't either. It's crazy that we can't get it for a lower price. We are punished for having a little bit more money than others that will get it for a low price.

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