For decades, Americans grappling with pain have faced a stark choice: over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, which often offer limited relief, or prescription opioids, which carry the risk of addiction adn overdose. Now, a groundbreaking third option has emerged.The U.S. Food and Drug Governance (FDA) recently approved Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Suzetrigine, marketed as Journavx, a non-addictive, twice-daily oral medication designed to treat moderate-to-severe acute pain following surgery or injuries. This marks the first new painkiller approved by the FDA in 25 years, offering a potential lifeline in the fight against the opioid crisis.
A New Hope in Pain Management
Table of Contents
- FDA approves Journavx: A Non-Addictive Alternative to Opioids for Acute Pain
- FDA Approves Journavx: A Potential Game-Changer in Acute Pain Management and the Opioid Crisis
- Journavx: A Promising yet Controversial Solution to the Opioid Crisis
- Journavx: A Promising yet Controversial Solution to the Opioid Crisis
- Q: What is Journavx, and how does it differ from traditional opioids?
- Q: what are the benefits of Journavx, according to medical experts?
- Q: Are there any limitations to Journavx?
- Q: How does Journavx impact the broader opioid crisis?
- Q: what are the key concerns surrounding Journavx?
- Q: What does the future hold for journavx?
- Key Takeaways
Journavx represents a significant advancement in pain treatment. Unlike opioids such as vicodin or OxyContin, which are highly addictive, this new medication targets pain without the same risks. Long Island physicians and treatment experts have hailed it as a critical tool in addressing the region’s opioid epidemic. Though, the drug is not without limitations. It is not prescribed for chronic pain, and its cost—$15.50 per 50 mg pill—could be prohibitive for some patients.
Adam Birkenstock, director of programming at the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, emphasized the importance of accessibility. “The hope with new treatments for pain is that patients will have more and safer options for managing symptoms, but those treatments have to be affordable and accessible,” he said. “if this new medication isn’t as affordable,available,and effective as opiate medication,more of our friends and neighbors will fall through the cracks.”
Clinical Trials and Efficacy
The FDA’s approval of Journavx followed two clinical trials involving 874 participants experiencing moderate-to-severe acute pain after procedures like abdominoplasty (commonly known as a “tummy tuck”) or bunion removal. Participants were given Journavx, a placebo, or Vicodin. The results were striking: Journavx provided more relief than the placebo and matched Vicodin in reducing pain levels by three points on a standard 10-point pain scale. Notably,Journavx worked faster and with fewer side effects.
dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, called the approval “an important public health milestone in acute pain management.”
Side effects and Future Prospects
While Journavx offers a promising choice, it is indeed not without side effects. the most common include itching, muscle spasms, increased levels of creatine phosphokinase (a protein and enzyme that aids muscle energy production), and rash. Despite these, the drug’s potential to reshape pain management is undeniable.
Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, CEO and president of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, stated, “We have the opportunity to change the paradigm of acute pain management and establish a new standard of care.” Currently, Journavx is approved only for acute pain, but Vertex is conducting trials to explore its efficacy in treating chronic pain.
The Opioid Crisis: A Lingering Challenge
The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across Long Island, claiming thousands of lives since the late 1990s. However, recent data offers a glimmer of hope. In 2023, Suffolk County reported 463 fatal overdoses, an 11% decrease from the previous year. Similarly, Nassau County saw a 16% decline, with 210 overdose deaths compared to 250 in 2022.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Drug Name | Journavx (Suzetrigine) |
| Approval Date | January 30, 2025 |
| Indication | Moderate-to-severe acute pain |
| Dosage | Twice daily |
| Cost | $15.50 per 50 mg pill |
| Side Effects | Itching, muscle spasms, increased creatine phosphokinase, rash |
| clinical Trial Results| Matched Vicodin in pain relief, faster action, fewer side effects |
A Call to Action
As Journavx becomes available, its success will depend on affordability and accessibility. For those struggling with pain, this new medication offers a safer alternative to opioids. However, its impact will only be fully realized if it reaches those who need it most.
The approval of Journavx is a testament to the ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis. While challenges remain, this innovative treatment represents a significant step forward in pain management.
For more information on Journavx, visit the FDA’s official proclamation or explore Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ press release.
for decades, Americans grappling with pain have faced a difficult choice: rely on over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, which often provide limited relief, or turn to prescription opioids, which carry the risk of addiction and overdose. Now, a groundbreaking third option has emerged. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Suzetrigine, marketed as Journavx, a non-addictive prescription drug designed for short-term acute pain following surgery or injuries.This approval marks the first new painkiller to hit the market in 25 years, offering hope for patients and healthcare providers alike. however, while Journavx is being hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against the opioid crisis, experts caution that it comes with limitations.
A New Hope in the opioid Crisis
the opioid epidemic has ravaged communities across the U.S., with Long Island being no exception. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 75% of drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved opioids. The crisis has evolved from prescription painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin to illicit substances like fentanyl, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Dr. Manassa Hany,Northwell Health’s division director for substance abuse disorders,emphasized the importance of Journavx in this context.”For someone who is prescribed opioid painkillers for a tooth extraction… then it becomes a problem afterward,” he said. “So this is really going to make a huge difference in the opioid epidemic in that we will spare those who are vulnerable the exposure to unnecessary opioid use.”
Journavx is designed to be taken twice daily and is specifically approved for short-term acute pain. Unlike opioids, it does not carry the risk of addiction, making it a safer alternative for patients recovering from surgery or injuries.
However, experts note that the drug is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Dr. William Caldwell, medical director of the Stony brook center for Pain Management, highlighted its limitations. “The benefit of Journavx is the potential that a patient’s pain can be controlled without the addition of opioid pain medications, which are often not well tolerated by patients with the risk of developing opioid use disorder,” he said. “The limitations of Journavx are how it will work in the chronic pain population.”
Another concern is the cost. At $15.50 per 50 mg pill,Journavx is roughly double the average out-of-pocket cost for acetaminophen/hydrocodone,according to federal data. while the drug is intended for short-term use, its high price could be prohibitive for some patients, especially if insurance coverage is limited.
A Cautiously Optimistic Response
Lori Carbonaro of Selden, whose son Nick died of a heroin overdose in 2014 at the age of 22, expressed cautious optimism about the new medication.”How long do people stay on it? Will they prescribe a higher dose?” she asked. “I’m very skeptical. But I do have hope.”
Carbonaro, who has become an advocate for families affected by overdoses, emphasized the need for more information about the drug’s long-term effects.
A Shift in Pain Management
Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of the Family & Children’s association, noted that the reluctance of providers to prescribe opioids has left many patients undertreated for their pain. “Providers have become reluctant to prescribe opioids,” he said, “and that’s left patients in pain, which often leads to mental health conditions like depression.”
journavx could fill this gap, offering a safer alternative for patients who need effective pain relief without the risks associated with opioids.
Key takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Drug Name | Journavx (Suzetrigine) |
| Approval | FDA-approved for short-term acute pain |
| Cost | $15.50 per 50 mg pill |
| Benefits | Non-addictive, reduces opioid exposure |
| Limitations | Not for chronic pain, high cost, insurance coverage uncertain |
| Potential Impact | could help curb the opioid crisis, especially for vulnerable populations |
looking ahead
While Journavx represents a significant step forward in pain management, its success will depend on accessibility, affordability, and further research into its long-term effects. For now, it offers a glimmer of hope for patients and providers navigating the complexities of pain relief in the shadow of the opioid epidemic.
as the medical community continues to explore innovative solutions,Journavx stands as a testament to the potential of science to address some of society’s most pressing challenges.With Virginia Huie
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved journavx, a new non-opioid painkiller developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, marking a significant step forward in acute pain management and the fight against the opioid epidemic. The drug, which has shown efficacy comparable to Vicodin but with fewer side effects, could revolutionize how pain is treated, particularly for those vulnerable to addiction.
A New standard in Pain Management
Journavx was approved following two clinical trials involving 874 participants who experienced moderate to severe acute pain after surgeries such as abdominoplasty (commonly known as a “tummy tuck”) or bunion removal. In the trials, participants were given either Journavx, a placebo, or vicodin. The results showed that Journavx provided more relief than the placebo and matched Vicodin’s effectiveness,reducing pain levels by three points on the standard 10-point pain rating scale. However, Journavx worked faster and with fewer side effects, making it a promising alternative to traditional opioids.
Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay,acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and research,called the approval of Journavx “an important public health milestone in acute pain management.”
The most common side effects reported were itching, muscle spasms, increased levels of creatine phosphokinase (a protein and enzyme that helps muscles produce energy), and rash. Despite these, Vertex’s CEO, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, emphasized the drug’s potential to “change the paradigm of acute pain management and establish a new standard of care.”
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across the United States, with Long Island being particularly hard-hit. As the late 1990s,thousands of lives have been lost to opioid addiction. However,recent data shows signs of progress. In 2023,Suffolk County reported 463 fatal overdoses,an 11% decrease from the 524 deaths in 2022. Similarly, Nassau County saw a 16% drop, with 210 overdose deaths in 2023 compared to 250 in 2022, according to the county medical examiner’s office.Dr. Manassa Hany, Northwell Health’s division director for substance abuse disorders, highlighted the potential of Journavx to reduce unnecessary opioid exposure. “People who are vulnerable to opioid addiction, or addiction in general, if you give them a couple of opioid painkillers for a tooth extraction … then it becomes a problem afterward,” she said. “This is really going to make a huge difference in the opioid epidemic by sparing those who are vulnerable the exposure to unnecessary opioid use.”
Lori Carbonaro of Selden, whose son Nick died of a heroin overdose in 2014 at the age of 22, expressed cautious optimism about the new medication. “I’m cautiously optimistic about Journavx but want to learn more about the drug’s long-term effects,” she said.
Challenges Ahead
While Journavx offers hope,concerns remain about its affordability and accessibility. Adam Birkenstock, director of programming at the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, stressed the importance of ensuring that new treatments are both effective and accessible. “The hope with new treatments for pain is that patients will have more and safer options for managing symptoms, but those treatments have to be affordable and accessible,” he said. “If this new medication isn’t as affordable,available,and effective as opiate medication,more of our friends and neighbors will fall through the cracks.”
currently, Journavx is approved only for acute pain, though Vertex is conducting trials to evaluate its efficacy for chronic pain management.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| FDA Approval | Approved for acute pain management following clinical trials. |
| Efficacy | comparable to Vicodin, with faster action and fewer side effects. |
| Side Effects | Itching, muscle spasms, increased creatine phosphokinase levels, and rash. |
| Impact on Opioid Crisis | Potential to reduce unnecessary opioid exposure, particularly for vulnerable populations.|
| Challenges | Affordability and accessibility remain concerns. |
Looking Ahead
The approval of Journavx represents a significant step forward in pain management and the fight against opioid addiction. However, its success will depend on its affordability, accessibility, and long-term safety. As the medical community and families affected by the opioid crisis watch closely, Journavx could pave the way for a new era in pain treatment—one that prioritizes safety and efficacy over reliance on opioids.
For more information on the opioid crisis and its impact on Long Island, visit the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence.
As the opioid crisis continues to evolve, shifting from drugs like oxycontin and hydrocodone to the more potent fentanyl, the search for safer pain management alternatives has intensified. Enter Journavx, a new medication that has sparked both hope and skepticism among medical professionals and advocates.
Journavx is designed to manage pain without the risks associated with traditional opioids. Dr. William caldwell, medical director of the Stony Brook Center for Pain Management, highlights its potential: “The benefit of Journavx is the potential that a patient’s pain can be controlled without the addition of opioid pain medications, which are often not well tolerated by patients with the risk of developing opioid use disorder.”
however, Caldwell also notes limitations, particularly in its effectiveness for chronic pain patients. “The limitations of Journavx are how it will work in the chronic pain population,” he said.
Cost and Accessibility Concerns
One of the biggest hurdles for Journavx is its cost. at over $30 per day for two pills, it is indeed roughly double the average out-of-pocket cost for acetaminophen/hydrocodone, according to federal data. This raises questions about insurance coverage and affordability for patients.
Despite the high price, medical experts emphasize that Journavx is intended for short-term use.”Patients should only be taking it for a few days anyway,” they note.
A Shift in Prescribing Practices
The opioid crisis has made healthcare providers increasingly cautious about prescribing opioids. Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of the Family & Children’s Association, explains the unintended consequences: “Providers have become reluctant to prescribe opioids, and that’s left patients in pain, which often leads to mental health conditions like depression.”
Reynolds believes Journavx could be a lifeline for patients who are undertreated for their pain. “The biggest beneficiary of Journavx might be for patients undertreated for their pain,” he said.
Skepticism and Hope
While Journavx offers a promising alternative, not everyone is convinced. Carbonaro,an advocate for families affected by overdoses,remains cautious. “How long do people stay on it? Will they prescribe a higher dose?” she asked. “I’m very skeptical. But I do have hope.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| cost | Over $30 per day for two pills |
| Intended Use | Short-term pain management |
| Primary Benefit | Reduces reliance on opioids, lowering the risk of opioid use disorder |
| Limitations | Effectiveness in chronic pain patients, high cost, insurance coverage |
| Expert Opinion | Promising but requires further evaluation |
The Road Ahead
As Journavx enters the market, its success will depend on its ability to balance efficacy, affordability, and accessibility. For patients caught in the crossfire of the opioid crisis, it represents a potential step forward—but one that must be approached with caution.
With reporting by Virginia Huie and Robert Brodsky,a breaking news reporter at Newsday since 2011.Brodsky, a Queens College and American University alum, continues to cover critical developments in healthcare and beyond.
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Stay informed about the latest developments in pain management and the opioid crisis by following our ongoing coverage.
A: Journavx is a newly approved medication designed to manage acute pain without the risks associated with traditional opioids like oxycontin or hydrocodone. Unlike these opioids, Journavx offers faster pain relief with fewer side effects, making it a potential game-changer in acute pain management.
A: Dr.William Caldwell,medical director of the Stony Brook Center for Pain Management,highlights its primary benefit: “The potential that a patient’s pain can be controlled without the addition of opioid pain medications,which are often not well tolerated by patients with the risk of developing opioid use disorder.” This could significantly reduce unnecessary opioid exposure, especially for vulnerable populations.
A: Yes. While Journavx shows promise for acute pain, its effectiveness in chronic pain patients remains uncertain. Additionally, its high cost—over $30 per day for two pills—raises concerns about affordability and insurance coverage. Medical experts also emphasize that Journavx is intended for short-term use, typically lasting only a few days.
A: Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of the Family & Children’s Association, believes Journavx could address the unintended consequences of reduced opioid prescribing. He explains, “Providers have become reluctant to prescribe opioids, and that’s left patients in pain, which frequently enough leads to mental health conditions like depression.” By offering a safer alternative, Journavx could help patients avoid the risks of opioid addiction.
A: Skepticism remains about its long-term use. Advocates like Carbonaro, who works with families affected by overdoses, question, “How long do people stay on it? Will they prescribe a higher dose?” Additionally, the medication’s side effects—including itching, muscle spasms, increased creatine phosphokinase levels, and rash—need further evaluation. Affordability and accessibility also remain critically important challenges.
A: The success of Journavx will depend on its ability to balance efficacy, affordability, and accessibility. while it represents a significant step forward in pain management, its long-term safety and impact on the opioid crisis remain to be seen. As the medical community and advocates continue to evaluate its potential, journavx could pave the way for a new era in pain treatment—one that prioritizes safety and efficacy over reliance on opioids.
Key Takeaways
- Journavx offers faster pain relief with fewer side effects compared to traditional opioids.
- It is intended for short-term use, with limitations in treating chronic pain patients.
- Its high cost and accessibility concerns pose significant challenges.
- Journavx has the potential to reduce opioid reliance and address the opioid crisis.
- long-term safety and effectiveness require further evaluation.
For more data on the opioid crisis and its impact on Long Island,visit the Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence.
