No idea but Google search results as follows.
Suzetrigine (brand name
Journavx) is a first-in-class, non-opioid oral pain medication approved by the FDA in January 2025 to treat moderate to severe acute short-term pain, such as post-surgical recovery. [
1,
2]
How It Works
- Target: Selectively blocks the \(\text{Na}_{\text{V}}1.8\) voltage-gated sodium channel in peripheral nociceptive neurons. [1]
- Mechanism: Stops pain signals in the peripheral nervous system before they reach the brain and spinal cord. [1]
- Safety Advantage: Lacks central nervous system activity, meaning it has no addictive potential, euphoria, sedation, or respiratory depression. [1, 2]
Dosage and Administration
- Form: 50 mg oral tablets. [1]
- Dosing Schedule: Typically 100 mg initially, followed by 50 mg every 12 hours (twice daily). [1]
- Duration: Intended for short-term use, generally not exceeding 14 days. [1, 2]
- Food Instructions: The first dose should be taken on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food); subsequent doses can be taken with or without food. Tablets must be swallowed whole. [1]
Common Side Effects
- Itching (pruritus)
- Muscle spasms
- Rash
- Increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) [1]
Important Precautions
- Liver Impairment: Metabolized by the liver via CYP3A enzymes; use is avoided in severe liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class C) and requires lower dosing in moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class B). [1, 2, 3]
- Drug Interactions: Use with caution when taking moderate to strong CYP3A inhibitors. [1]