Suzetrigine

Suzetrigine is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in adults. Medical professionals have noted its efficacy may be inferior to high-dose opioid analgesics. There are no studies comparing suzetrigine with high-dose opioids. Suzetrigine exhibits CYP3A4-mediated drug interactions and there is limited long-term data regarding its use. Suzetrigine is dispensed as 50 milligram oral tablets that are to be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed. To avoid a delay of onset, it is recommended to begin taking a starting dose of 100 mg on an empty stomach. Following the initial dose, 50 mg is to be taken every 12 hours for the shortest possible duration. For those with moderate hepatic impairment, 50 mg doses are to be taken 24 hours apart following the fifth dose. == Contraindications ==

Concomitant use of suzetrigine with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated. When taken with moderate CYP3A inhibitors, dose adjustments are required. While taking suzetrigine, and for 28 days after use has ended, those taking hormonal contraceptives with progesterone's other than levonorgestrel and norethindrone should use additional or an alternative non-hormonal contraceptive. Individuals with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) should not take suzetrigine. == Adverse effects ==

The most common adverse effects of suzetrigine may include itching, rash, muscle spasms, and increased levels of creatine kinase. In preliminary research, suzetrigine had no serious neurological, behavioral, addictive or cardiovascular effects. long-term safety in broader contexts including multimodal analgesia, pregnancy and breastfeeding women remain undetermined. == Interactions ==

Consuming grapefruit while using suzetrigine may cause adverse grapefruit–drug interactions. ==Pharmacology==

Pharmacodynamics Suzetrigine operates on Nav1.8 channels predominately found in the peripheral nociceptive neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. Unlike opioid medications, which reduce pain signals in the brain, suzetrigine works by closing sodium channels in peripheral nerves, inhibiting painful sensations from being transmitted to the brain. Suzetrigine selectively bound to this site on these sodium channels with a novel allosteric mechanism, thereby stabilizing the closed state and causing tonic inhibition. Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics of suzetrigine have been described. == History ==

Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced in January 2024 that suzetrigine had successfully met several endpoints in its Phase III clinical trials. In January 2025, the FDA granted approval of Journavx to Vertex Pharmaceuticals, making it the first non-opioid pain medication to be approved by the FDA in two decades. As of November 2025, Phase IV post-marketing clinical trials are underway to assess the effectiveness and safety of Suzetrigine as a part of multimodal therapy for the treatment of acute post-operative pain. The manufacturer engaged in lobbying activity promoting non-opioid pain treatment and supporting the NO PAIN Act (Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction In the Nation Act). ==Society and culture==

Legal status Suzetrigine is a prescription drug but is not otherwise a controlled substance. == References ==