Sodium Channel BlockerPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes

Journavx

SUZETRIGINE

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE JOURNAVX is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults. JOURNAVX is a sodium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults. ( 1 )

Medically reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board, Licensed Pharmacists & Physicians · May 2026

Brand names:JOURNAVX

Rx Only

JournavxMedication

Quick Reference

Medicine ClassSodium Channel Blocker

FDA ApprovedYes

PregnancyCategory Not classified

Check Interactions Dosage Details

Quick Facts

Active ingredient: SUZETRIGINE
Medicine class: Sodium Channel Blocker
Brand names: JOURNAVX
Availability: Prescription only (Rx)
Pregnancy category: Not classified
Half-life: Half-Life, hours 23
FDA approved: Yes

Journavx (SUZETRIGINE) medication overview

What Is Journavx?

Journavx (SUZETRIGINE) belongs to the Sodium Channel Blocker class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Key Safety Information

•Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
•Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
•Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
•Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Journavx. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
•Take Journavx with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
•Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.

This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.

Uses & Indications

Journavx is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE JOURNAVX is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults.

JOURNAVX is a sodium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults.

Dosage Guide

The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.

Adult Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Swallow JOURNAVX tablets whole and do not chew or crush. ( 2.1 ) Recommended starting JOURNAVX oral dose is 100 mg. Take the starting dose on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Clear liquids may be consumed during this time (e.g., water, apple juice, vegetable broth, tea, black coffee). ( 2.1 ) Starting 12 hours after the starting dose, take 50 mg of JOURNAVX orally every 12 hours. Take these doses with or without food. ( 2.1 ) Use JOURNAVX for the shortest duration, consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Use of JOURNAVX for the treatment of acute pain has not been studied beyond 14 days. ( 2.1 ) See the full prescribing information for the recommended dosage in patients with hepatic impairment ( 2.2 ), for JOURNAVX dosage modifications with concomitant use of CYP3A inhibitors ( 2.3 ), and recommendations regarding missed dose(s). ( 2.4 ) Avoid food or drink containing grapefruit during treatment with JOURNAVX. ( 2.3

Available Forms

Available Strengths

View Complete Dosage Guide

Side Effects

Common

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (greater incidence in JOURNAVX-treated patients compared to placebo-treated patients) were pruritus, muscle spasms, increased creatine phosphokinase, and rash.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated at 1-877-634-8789 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The safety profile of JOURNAVX is primarily based on data from the pooled, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trials in 874 adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain following full abdominoplasty (Trial 1) and bunionectomy (Trial 2) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] , with supportive safety data from one single arm trial in 256 adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain in a broad range of acute pain conditions (Trial 3).
In Trials 1 and 2, 874 patients received at least one dose of JOURNAVX.
The proportion of patients in Trials 1 and 2 who discontinued study drug prematurely due to adverse events was: 0.6% in JOURNAVX-treated patients (postprocedural hematoma [0.2%], hypotension [0.2%], syncope [0.1%]), 0.6% in hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen (HB/APAP)-treated patients (hypotension/orthostatic hypotension [0.2%], migraine [0.1%], intra-abdominal hematoma [0.1%], nausea [0.1%], pyrexia [0.1%]), and 0.2% in placebo-treated patients (hypotension [0.2%], tachycardia [0.2%]).
The safety profile of JOURNAVX was also evaluated by the following subgroup analyses: age (≥ 18 to < 65 years and ≥ 65 years), sex, and race.

Serious

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Moderate and Severe Hepatic Impairment : Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).
Use in patients with moderate hepatic impairment may increase the risk of adverse reactions.
The recommended dosage is lower in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) than those with normal hepatic function.
( 5.4 ) 5.1 Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Use with Strong or Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors Strong and moderate CYP3A inhibitors increase suzetrigine and M6-SUZ (active metabolite) exposures which may cause JOURNAVX adverse reactions.
Concomitant use of JOURNAVX with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Rare

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Medicine Interactions

Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

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Warnings & Contraindications

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Moderate and Severe Hepatic Impairment : Avoid use in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C). Use in patients with moderate hepatic impairment may increase the risk of adverse reactions. The recommended dosage is lower in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B) than those with normal hepatic function. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Increased Ris

How Journavx Works

12.1 Mechanism of Action Suzetrigine is a selective blocker of the Na V 1.8 voltage-gated sodium channel, compared to other known voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V 1.1 through 1.9). Na V 1.8 is expressed in peripheral sensory neurons including dorsal root ganglion neurons, where its role is to transmit pain signals (action potentials). By selectively inhibiting Na V 1.8 channels, suzetrigine inhibits transmission of pain signals to the spinal cord and brain. M6-SUZ, a major active metabolite, is a less potent inhibitor of Na V 1.8 than suzetrigine by 3.7-fold.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Absorption Median T max (range), hours 3

Half-Life

Half-Life, hours 23

Metabolism

metabolite, M6-SUZ, are shown in Table 4

Excretion

Excretion Primary Pathway Feces: 49

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety

Not classified

FDA Pregnancy Category Not classified

Consult your healthcare provider.

Full Pregnancy Information

Breastfeeding

Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Journavxwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.

Storage & Handling

Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

• FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Journavx
• U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
• American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
• PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies

Last reviewed by MedCentralHub Medical Review Board · MedCentralHub Editorial Policy

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.