Steubenville, OH – Dr. Suresh Srinivasan, an interventional pain management physician at Trinity Health System, is bringing attention to a newly approved non-opioid pain medication that offers a promising alternative for patients suffering from moderate to severe acute pain.
Dr. Srinivasan will be a guest from 4-5 p.m. on “Novotney Now”, a program hosted by journalist and host Steve Novotney on 100.1 and 100.9 FM.
What Is Acute Pain?
Acute pain is short-term pain that comes on suddenly due to an injury, surgery, or medical condition. It typically lasts a few days upto 3 months and gradually improves as the underlying cause heals. Unlike chronic pain, which persists for months or years, acute pain serves as a warning signal to the body that something is wrong. Common causes include:
• Surgical recovery
• Broken bones or sprains
• Dental procedures
• Burns or cuts
• Infections or inflammation
Effective management of acute pain is crucial to ensure faster recovery, improved mobility, and overall well-being.
FDA Approves New Non-Opioid Painkiller: Suzetrigine (JOURNAVX™)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved Suzetrigine, marketed under the brand name JOURNAVX™, as a prescription medication specifically designed for moderate to severe acute pain. Unlike traditional opioid painkillers, suzetrigine works without the risks of addiction, providing patients with a safer option for pain relief.
How Does Suzetrigine Work?
Suzetrigine functions by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 voltage-gated sodium channels, which are located in peripheral sensory neurons responsible for transmitting pain signals from the site of injury to the brain. By blocking these channels, the medication reduces pain transmission, offering relief without affecting the brain’s reward system, which is a primary factor in opioid addiction.
“This is an exciting development in pain management,” said Dr. Srinivasan. “As a physician treating patients in an area heavily impacted by the opioid epidemic, having a non-opioid option like suzetrigine is a significant step forward in providing safer pain relief.”
Who Can Benefit?
Suzetrigine is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain only and is intended for short-term use in patients experiencing acute pain. This could include those recovering from surgery, injuries, or other painful conditions that require immediate relief.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, suzetrigine may cause side effects, though clinical trials have shown them to be generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
• Itching (pruritus)
• Muscle spasms
• Increased levels of creatine phosphokinase
• Rash
Patients experiencing persistent or bothersome side effects should consult their healthcare provider.
A Safer Future in Pain Management
Dr. Srinivasan encourages patients and fellow healthcare providers to consider non-opioid alternatives like suzetrigine when managing acute pain.
“Pain management is evolving, and our goal is to relieve pain effectively while reducing the risks associated with opioid medications,” he stated. “Suzetrigine provides another tool in our fight against the opioid crisis, and I look forward to integrating it into patient care.”
Consult Your Doctor
Before starting Suzetrigine, patients should discuss their full medical history and current medications with their healthcare provider to ensure the drug is appropriate for their condition.
For more information on this newly approved medication, visit the FDA website or consult with your physician.
Dr. Srinivasan and the Trinity Health System Pain Management Team continue to advocate for safer, innovative pain treatments for their patients in Steubenville and surrounding communities.
(Dr. Srinivasan will be a guest from 4-5 p.m. on “Novotney Now”, a program hosted by journalist and host Steve Novotney on 100.1 and 100.9 FM.)
