Journavx (suzetrigine) new non-opioid medication for acute pain

Posted by julbpat @julbpat, Jun 18, 2025

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!

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

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@heisenberg34 I too have been told about ketamine infusions. My neurologist (in another city) was not actually endorsing it, just stating that he had some patients that got relief from it. I think here it was $4-500 per infusion. I stopped in the only clinic I could find that advertises ketamine infusions. It is owned by some local ER physicians. It was in a sketchy, rundown shopping center at a suboxone clinic. The receptionist was counting large sums of money behind the desk (cash only business). I looked around and said "'nope". Guess I wasn't desperate enough! But apparently it is a helpful treatment.

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@julbpat I hear you! $4500 per infusion would be onto stop me .. unless they could guarantee results. I would give them that to get rid of this pain.

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@julbpat I hear you! $4500 per infusion would be onto stop me .. unless they could guarantee results. I would give them that to get rid of this pain.

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@heisenberg34 Sorry, $400-$500. Affordable!

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