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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heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Mar 18 5:35pm

I will be interested to see how well this drug helps reduce pain. I am on Tramadol, Gabapentin, and baclofen. This cocktail barely touch my daily pain level of eight.

kdks99 | @kdks99 | Mar 19 8:36am

In reply to @dg7 "There is a savings card on the med's website for those who have Medicare or other..." + (show)

Yes but you can only use it if it is rejected or other hard to understand reasons...My part D covers it but it ends up being $248 a fill. If it did not I could use the coupon. There is another code that allows for coupon use if there is no prior authorization so I am currently exploring that. Of course, all this is very convoluted but eventually I will figure it out. If your government insurance does not cover it you can just use the coupon.

kdks99 | @kdks99 | Mar 19 9:02am

In reply to @heisenberg34 "I will be interested to see how well this drug helps reduce pain. I am on..." + (show)

Will let you know...I believe you can take it with most other pain meds...although that is just through my own research with AI so totally not sure about that.

kdks99 | @kdks99 | Mar 19 9:05am

In reply to @heisenberg34 "That’s great. Does it work well to help with your pain ?" + (show)

I just started it but, although not a magic bullet, i think it does. I am taking Tylenol and Celebrex as well. I will update after a few more days.

sash | @sash | Mar 19 9:40am

Would love to hear if anyone has been able to purchase in MN - and hopefully get BCBS to help with coverage!

frankiechi | @frankiechi | Mar 19 10:01pm

is anyone on this site using Gaba? I picked up a prescription today and the warning labels frighten me (suicidal iterations, etc...) The PM doc is suggesting titrating: 1 day, then 2 a day then 3 a day over two weeks.

rorygirl | @rorygirl | Mar 20 9:15am

JOURNAVX is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe short-term (acute) pain.

charliesophiedaisyro | @charliesophiedaisyro | Mar 20 9:35am

How does this drug help? Remove the pain, dull the pain, Does it help with all kinds of pain, short term use only? Why is it not recommended for daily use?
Also which speciality physician wrote the prescription? My GP would not write a prescription for this drug.

kdks99 | @kdks99 | Mar 20 10:38am

I have provided what I know and what I think in previous posts so you can scroll back.. I have used AI to assess research and to help analyze available data..., I don't know anything more than is available on line and I am not an expert. My PCP wrote the initial script and I will be following up with my pain to doctor.