FDA Approves Non-Addictive Pain Medication

Opioids have long been a go-to solution for pain management, effectively relieving discomfort for many. However, their powerful ability to ease pain comes with a significant risk: addiction.

In response, efforts have been made to develop alternatives that provide pain relief without the side effects. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an exciting announcement—approval of a new pain medication that offers relief without the risk of addiction typically associated with opioids.

Staying Outside of the Brain

Vertex Pharmaceuticals developed the new drug, suzetrigine, which will be marketed under the name Journavx. 

Suzetrigine targets only nerves outside the brain, effectively blocking pain signals without affecting the brain itself. By not crossing into the brain, the drug cannot activate reward centers in the brain like opioids do, thus avoiding the addictive side effects of opioids.

Running Clinical Trials

To test suzetrigine, two large-scale clinical trials were conducted, with each involving about 1,000 patients recovering from surgery. Participants were randomly assigned a placebo, Vicodin, or suzetrigine. Side effects reported by those taking suzetrigine were similar to those who were taking the placebo.

In addition to the clinical trials, there was also a 250-person study that examined how safe and tolerable suzetrigine was. The drug was shown to relieve pain as effectively as the opioid. 

Concerns About Cost

Though Journavx tested well in clinical trials, one of the major concerns regarding the drug is its cost. 

With a cost of $15.50 per pill, and the expectation that patients will typically need two pills per day, the price tag of $31 per day puts the cost high above that of many opioids. 

The cost of the drug is high. However, suzetrigine doesn’t cause many of the negative side effects often associated with opioids–including nausea and drowsiness–and it is completely non-addictive.

New Generation of Non-Addictive Pain Drugs

The FDA’s approval of Journavx opens the door for the introduction of stronger, non-addictive pain relievers. The hope is that there will be medications available that can help individuals manage their pain while avoiding the pitfalls of using drugs like opioids. 

While the approval of suzetrigine is encouraging, there are still many people who are struggling with their current use of prescribed pain medications like Vicodin and other opioids. 

Finding Treatment Near Las Vegas

If you are dealing with opioid addiction, help is available. Reach out to one of our admissions navigators at to get the support, information, and guidance that you need. 

Offering treatment levels from medical detox and inpatient care to outpatient services and various types of therapy, our facilities, including Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas, NV, can help you start to work toward recovery and a return to health and happiness.

If you are struggling, reach out today!