Will JOURNAVX™ (Suzetrigine) appear on the Anesthesia Boards

Summary

At some point this medication may show its face on the Anesthesia boards.  Whether or not Suzetrigine will appear on the Anesthesiology boards, all of us need to know about this new class of analgesic.

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Here, Dr. David Rosenblum delivered a comprehensive lecture about a new pain medication called Journavx (Suzetrigine). He discussed its mechanism of action as a NAV 1.8 receptor inhibitor, its clinical applications, contraindications, and dosing guidelines. Dr. Rosenblum emphasized that this non-opioid medication represents a new class of pain management drugs with no addiction potential. He also shared information about upcoming educational events, including ultrasound courses and various pain management conferences. The lecture included detailed information about drug interactions, safety considerations, and clinical trial results comparing Journavx to placebo and hydrocodone-acetaminophen combinations. Key findings from clinical trials showed that Jornavix achieved pain relief in 119 minutes compared to 480 minutes for placebo in abdominoplasty trials, and 240 minutes versus 480 minutes in bunionectomy trials. The recommended dosing is 50mg tablets twice daily, with an initial loading dose of 100mg. While the drug showed promising results for moderate to severe acute pain management, it did not demonstrate superiority over hydrocodone in clinical trials. Important contraindications include CYP3A inhibitors, and special considerations are needed for patients with hepatic impairment or those taking hormonal contraceptives. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after food, and patients should avoid grapefruit juice while on this medication.

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Chapters

Introduction and Upcoming Events

Dr. Rosenblum announced several upcoming events, including an ultrasound course in New York City on May 17th, 2025. He mentioned offering ultrasound and IV training for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, ICUs, PAs, and hospital doctors. He also highlighted upcoming conferences including ASPN, Pain Week, Latin American Pain Society, New York, New Jersey Pain Congress, ASIPP, and EPA.

Introduction to Journavx (Suzetrigine)

Dr. Rosenblum introduced Suzetrigine (Journavx), a new 50mg tablet medication. He emphasized that this discussion was not sponsored by any pharmaceutical company but rather focused on educating about a new class of pain medication. He noted its potential importance as a future board examination topic.

Mechanism of Action

Dr. Rosenblum explained that Jornavx works by inhibiting the NAV 1.8 receptor. He detailed how the drug blocks sodium ions from entering pain-sensing neurons, disrupting action potential initiation and propagation. He emphasized that the drug is highly selective, binding over 31,000 times more selectively to NAV 1.8 than other NAV subtypes.

Contraindications and Drug Interactions

Dr. Rosenblum outlined various contraindications, particularly focusing on CYP3A inhibitors and inducers. He listed specific medications in each category and emphasized the importance of careful monitoring when prescribing Journavx alongside these medications.

Clinical Trial Results and Dosing Guidelines

Dr. Rosenblum presented clinical trial results showing Journavx's effectiveness in treating moderate to severe acute pain. He detailed the dosing guidelines: 50mg tablets twice daily, with an initial loading dose of 100mg. He emphasized the importance of taking