Journavx in Postoperative Pain Control: Evidence, Mechanism, and Potential Applications in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Authors

• Olivia Offermann, University of LynchburgFollow

Abstract

This review summarizes the pharmacology, clinical evidence, and potential applications of suzetrigine in orthopedic postoperative pain management, emphasizing its promise as a targeted, opioid-sparing therapeutic strategy for improving patient-centered outcomes.Postoperative pain management following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains a significant clinical challenge, with opioids traditionally serving as the mainstay therapy despite well-documented risks. While opioids are commonly implemented into postoperative pain management, they carry risks including dependence, respiratory depression, and gastrointestinal complications such as opioid-induced constipation (OIC), which can significantly impact patient comfort and healthcare utilization. Non-opioid alternatives that are both effective and safe are urgently needed. Journavx (suzetrigine), approved by the FDA in March 2025, is a highly selective NaV1.8 sodium channel inhibitor that targets peripheral nociceptive pathways without affecting the central nervous system. Early-phase clinical trials demonstrate that suzetrigine provides significant analgesic efficacy with a favorable safety profile and no evidence of addictive potential. Although orthopedic-specific data remain limited, extrapolation from acute pain trials suggests potential relevance for patients undergoing TJA. Incorporation of suzetrigine into multimodal analgesic regimens has the potential to reduce opioid requirements, improve postoperative comfort and mobility, and mitigate opioid-related adverse effects. Despite these promising outcomes, long-term and orthopedic-specific studies are lacking, highlighting the need for further research to define optimal patient selection, dosing strategies, and integration into enhanced recovery pathways.

Recommended Citation

Offermann O. Journavx in Postoperative Pain Control: Evidence, Mechanism, and Potential Applications in Total Joint Arthroplasty. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).