When many people hear the words pain medication, they immediately think of opioids. While opioid medications can be very effective for treating severe pain, they also carry risks such as dependence, misuse, drowsiness, constipation, and slowed breathing when used improperly. Fortunately, not all pain medications are opioids.
For many years, patients recovering from surgery or an injury have often had two main options for pain relief. Mild to moderate pain is commonly treated with non-opioid medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®). These medications work well for many people but may not provide enough relief for moderate to severe acute pain. In those situations, opioid medications have traditionally been the next step.
Now, there’s another option.
In early 2025, the FDA approved Journavx® (suzetrigine), the first medication in a new class of non-opioid pain medicines approved to treat moderate-to-severe acute pain in adults. Acute pain refers to short-term pain caused by conditions such as surgery or an injury. Journavx is not currently approved for chronic pain.
Unlike opioids, which work by changing how the brain perceives pain, Journavx works by blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. It targets a specific sodium channel in the peripheral nervous system called NaV1.8, which plays an important role in transmitting pain signals after an injury. By interrupting those signals, Journavx can help relieve pain without acting on opioid receptors.
This makes Journavx an important new treatment option for many patients. Because it is not an opioid and is not classified as a controlled substance, it does not carry the same known risks of dependence associated with opioid medications. Like any prescription medication, however, it may still cause side effects and isn’t the right choice for everyone. Your healthcare provider will determine whether it’s an appropriate option based on your medical history and the type of pain you’re experiencing.
One challenge with many newly approved medications is insurance coverage. Health insurance plans often take time to add new medications to their formularies, especially when they are more expensive than existing treatments. As a result, some patients may initially find that Journavx is not covered by their insurance plan.
The good news is that the manufacturer currently offers a patient savings program that may help eligible patients lower their out-of-pocket costs. In some situations, your healthcare provider may also submit a prior authorization request to your insurance company explaining why Journavx is medically appropriate. While approval isn’t guaranteed, this process can sometimes help patients obtain coverage.
Is Journavx an opioid?
No. Journavx is a non-opioid pain medication that works differently than both opioid medications and over-the-counter pain relievers. It represents a new approach to treating moderate-to-severe acute pain without targeting opioid receptors.
If you’ve recently had surgery or are preparing for a procedure and have questions about your pain management options, talk with your healthcare provider or stop by Cornwell Pharmacy. Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions, explain how your medications work, discuss potential side effects, and help you navigate insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs whenever possible.
