Paging Dr. Frischer: Journavx

We are all aware of the terrible and destructive history of opioids. The modern opioid epidemic started in the mid-1990s and has led to enormous misery and death. Opioids still have their place in health care, but must be used with great caution, due to side effects and the risk of addiction.

Every once in a while, a radically new medication is developed. Journavx is a new non-opioid medication used to treat short-term moderate to severe pain.

Journavx received FDA approval in January of 2025, and is the first in a new class of medications for pain in over two decades. It is a sodium channel blocker, blocking the specific routes that send pain signals to the spinal cord and to the brain. This reduces the amount of perceived pain, and since it doesn’t target the brain, it apparently has no potential to become addictive. It affects peripheral nerves, including the arms and legs.

It appears to be most useful for those experiencing acute postoperative pain, vs. those in chronic pain. It is likely weaker than opioids like hydrocodone.

Journavx side effects are quite rare, and include itching, muscle spasms, increased blood levels of creatine phosphokinase, and rash. It is safe and nearly free of serious side effects. There are a few groups of people who should avoid it, including those with severe liver disease and those taking medications containing progesterone (including birth control pills). Note that studies have not been done on pregnant or breastfeeding women.

For short term acute pain management, Journavx has few side effects and does not appear to be addictive. It will likely become an important alternative to opioids. As with any new medication, insurance coverage is lagging behind, and its availability at pharmacies may be limited.

Dr. Alan Frischer is former chief of staff and former chief of medicine at Downey Regional Medical Center. Write to him in care of this newspaper at 10927 Downey Ave., Suite C, Downey, CA 90241.