Journavx (suzetrigine) new non-opioid medication for acute pain
I heard about this new medication (approved in January) here on Mayo Connect. In May, my PCP was willing to give me a one week prescription. None of my physicians - pain doctor, neurologist, primary care - were familiar with it. It is only approved for acute pain. As I explained to my really wonderful PCP, those of us with chronic pain can also have acute pain.
I was preparing for a beach vacation, my first travel in a year, and it involved hours of airport time. Then strolling on the beach.
I took the loading dose (100 mg) the night before. Guys, within an hour the burning in my feet had reduced by 80-90%. As I took the dose of 50 mg every 12 hours, my pain stayed at least 75% reduced. If I had a larger dose, or could take it more often, I swear I would hear angels singing.
I had zero side effects. It was a wonderful week. After my last dose, the pain came back full force.
The company has done trials for chronic pain with diabetic neuropathy patients, with poor results. I have idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. Journavx works on peripheral nerves.
When this medication is finally approved for chronic pain, many of us will finally get relief, with no awful side effects.
I did notify the company about my experience, and told them to put me first in line for the next trials. I’ve also shared this with all my doctors, including my hand surgeon. Hey, I’m having another hand surgery in a few months! Maybe I can get more then! Acute pain!
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Hello,
My husband suffers from non stop nerve pain in his head. It feel like the top of his head is on fire and someone is stabbing him at the top and base of his skull, along with a chronic csf leak. He lives at a 7-9 pain in his head, body too but that’s about a 5-6.
I begged for anything new to help him, thinking the neurologist dismissed me feeling unheard as we always do.
To my surprise he came back in and offered Jouvnax.
On within 30 min the 9 pain came down to a 6, by the next day a 4, then to he said he did not even notice the pain. (We had the grandkids come over so he could be functional with them) As you know it’s scary when it’s over.
I just started crying as that is the first time his head has not hurt like that in 10 years. He feels like he is going crazy from the pain.
Just got a 30 day supply from our pain doctor. (Not Mayo) said I feel like he has the right to try. As his option to say in this world is getting harder for him to handle as time goes on with the pain,
I was so happy to see it helped someone else too.
I am going to reach out to the company for a chronic pain trial option as well.
Here it to hope. Hope it lasts.
This is wonderful. I am telling my neurologist about these experiences, both positive and negative. Waiting on a response from him.