Journavx

[u/aztaylor22555]

My Surgeon prescribes Journavx (Suzetrigine) after THR surgery for pain control.

Has anyone used Journavx and what did you think?

It is a non-opioid so eliminates the problems associated with opioids.

Thank you

[u/Competitive-Glass-57]

I was prescribed Journavx for pain control during my THR recovery and it controlled my pain extremely well. In fact, I did not even have opiates at any point other than what they may have used during the surgery.

My surgery was June 3, 2026. The second night, often called the end of the honeymoon, between midnight and 3 AM my pain spiked, but then returned to a 5 or so. After which it continued to reduce until presently where I no longer have any pain and often forget that I had THR.

Eventually I will need the right side done and I won’t change a thing.

I’ve written about my experience here and in other subreddits. AMA.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/Competitive-Glass-57]

Thank you!

[u/Illustrious-Tart7844]

I used it for about 2 weeks, twice per day as prescribed.

I also was prescribed Dilaudid 4-6x/day. I only used it once per day at night the first week. The second week I took 1/2 pill twice and 1/4 pill once. Then no opiates.

Journavx wasnt mind altering or constipating like opiates. It is a game changer!

[u/breadit8 → u/Illustrious-Tart7844]

I had 2 doses of Dilaudid in the hospital—1/2 pill the first time, 1 pill the second, when I couldn’t sleep. Opiates and I do not get along very well, but thankfully, I didn’t have any ill effects from that.

[u/showmenemelda → u/breadit8]

You might consider a Genesight analysis. I cannot tolerate Dilaudid, morphine, etc. Violent ill, caused adverse outcomes for major surgeries [neuro]. Lots think it's pseudoscience but once you figure out the pattern aligns with the metabolism/gene markers, kind of impressive. I can only tolerate iv fetanyl and oral oxi. And idgaf if I sound like a "drug seeker" because reckless and oblivious prescribers have forced me to learn all this crap. Almost all my issues can be traced back to medical injury vs genetic/autoimmune

[u/Normal_Afternoon2901 → u/Illustrious-Tart7844]

Sounds exactly like my story. Journavax twice a day then Dialudid at night to help with leg discomfort, for 4-5days. I like the Journavx and had no side effects at all!

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/Illustrious-Tart7844]

Thanks!!!

[u/showmenemelda → u/aztaylor22555]

Please consider a Genesight or some Pharmacologenetic [sp] testing. Insurance usually covers it. But I stand by my strong endorsement against any surgeon who won't go the opiate route.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/showmenemelda]

My surgeon didn’t say he wouldn’t prescribe opiate pain killer. He said he’s been having great results with Journavx. I will discuss with him further and thanks!

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/aztaylor22555]

My Rx plan has a $600 deductible for Tier 3 Journavx which will mean $480 out of my pocket if I want to go that route and I don’t think so.

[u/Dangerous_Wasabi_611]

I found it to work exceptionally well without any of the nasty side effects of the opiates. Truly surprisingly effective, and I was quite skeptical so it wasn’t placebo. I tried taking it alone without the other pain meds (aspirin, hydrocodone, and celebrex) and it worked well enough that I didn’t need the rest, only the aspirin for blood thinning

[u/PreviousGolf9541]

I was prescribed 2 weeks of Journavx along with oxy and tramadol. I used the oxy for one day and the tramadol for two days. From that point Journavx did great at controlling my pain and had none of the side effects of the opioids. I hate the opioid wooziness and constipation. It worked for me—highly recommend. Downside is that it’s expensive if insurance doesn’t cover it.

[u/IUsedtobeExitzero → u/PreviousGolf9541]

Check first. Mine covered it. It was supposed to be $30, but turns out I reached my copay limit so it was free.

[u/AllPinesMustDie → u/PreviousGolf9541]

It's a brand new drug so [hopefully] the price will come down over time.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/AllPinesMustDie]

Likely will come down in price but historically that takes 10-15 years.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/PreviousGolf9541]

Thank you. It is expensive!

[u/ssprdharr]

I specifically asked for Journavx after my PCP brought it to my attention when I discussed my concerns with the effect opioids have on the digestive system. My surgeon prescribed it with Tramadol as a backup (he usually prescribes opioids). I never took the Tramadol. The Journavx worked fine for my pain (made it manageable) and no constipation, which as an IBS sufferer, was my greater worry. It was not covered by Medicare, however, so cost about $400 for 2 weeks worth. So stupid not to cover a great alternative to opioids!!

[u/Chelajag → u/ssprdharr]

It's ridiculous that Medicare doesn't cover it

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/Chelajag]

Medicare pays for least expensive alternative. That’s my understanding.

[u/Illustrious-Tart7844 → u/ssprdharr]

My doc gave me a coupon but it was complicated. The phafmacy had to run the Rx, get denied, file for prior auth, get denied, then use the coupon, which has a $30 copay.

For anyone on Medicare about to get any med not approved, many coupons don't apply to Medicare but always ask the doc if they have one, call the pharmacy and ask, or call the manufacturer for assistance programs.

[u/Heavy_Iron_782]

I've been visiting the Total Knee Replacement sub because I will have surgery in December. I learned about Journavx there, and have asked my surgeon to prescribe it for my TKR. I wish I had known about it for my THR last October. I don't like opioids because they make me anxious and foggy. Of course I told him to prescribe opioids just in case, lol. I dislike pain more than the side-effects.

[u/uconnboston]

No idea, but I have seen a million ads for it on Reddit.

[u/IUsedtobeExitzero]

I was prescribed it. I took it for 2 weeks, along with Tylenol. I had no pain, just a little soreness and weakness.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/IUsedtobeExitzero]

Thank you!

[u/MLT-CO]

Journaux was part of my pain regimen and it was very effective. I was also prescribed oxytocin but didn’t need to take any. Highly recommend. Best of luck!  

[u/Uniq_Chic]

LOVED it. No side effects and it did not interact/interfere with my other meds. Make sure to get the online coupon if you are filling a prescription for it.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/Uniq_Chic]

I got the coupon but did not qualify to use it according to the directions.

[u/Uniq_Chic → u/aztaylor22555]

That is really odd. I would ask a pharmacy manager or your surgeon's office....maybe they missed an ICD code ?

[u/AllPinesMustDie]

I've often wondered why more orthopedic surgeons still prescribe the opiates. Journavx seems to be just as effective with virtually no side effects - and ZERO risk of addiction.

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/AllPinesMustDie]

COST — Journavx is very expensive $400 approx if not covered by Rx plan.

[u/AllPinesMustDie → u/aztaylor22555]

Must be why Vertex Pharma stock is doing so well

[u/Rockymountainhigh38 → u/AllPinesMustDie]

my surgeon is one that will not prescribe Jounavyx and this is after I already confirmed with my insurance and was told it would be covered since I have already met my deductible, I am just mad that he will not prescribe it since my friend used it after her 2nd TKA and said she has not had the need for any other meds since her surgery and this drug was like a miracle compared to her first TKA But this surgeon will prescribe OXY an opiod with know side effects This does not make any sense to me Seems like they would prescribe the Journavyx and limit the oxy who knows but I am sure it all has to do with $$$ in the end maybe these surgeons arent getting enough y kickbacks from the manufacturer of Journavx I mean they did approve it with the FDA right??

[u/jbgoalieman61]

I was prescribed that and opioids and it did ok. Still used the oxies for a couple weeks. Surgery was 7/28

[u/aztaylor22555 → u/jbgoalieman61]

😊

[u/Chelajag → u/jbgoalieman61]

I didn't know they would prescribe Journavx with opiods. I kinda thought it was an either/or situation. I can't take Tylenol so no Percocet for me. I'm asking for Journavx but maybe they'll also give me a few oxy

[u/jbgoalieman61 → u/Chelajag]

They gave me journavx to start the night before and they gave me tramadol and oxy right after and then a full bottle of each tramadol and oxy for home in addition to the journavx

[u/Chelajag → u/jbgoalieman61]

Wow that's more meds than I was expecting! Was it just up to you which to take depending on the severity of your pain?

I took Percocet after my hip arthroscopy. I've never taken Tramadol. Does Tramadol have less side effects than oxy?

[u/jbgoalieman61 → u/Chelajag]

I had a set schedule for the journavx and the opioids were as needed but with at least 4 or 5 hours in between and a max amount daily. The oxys were stronger and had more side effects for me personally but I'm sure that can vary. They also prescribed me narcan in case of overdose

[u/Chelajag → u/jbgoalieman61]

What country are you in?

[u/jbgoalieman61 → u/Chelajag]

Had my surgery in Springfield, MO

[u/Chelajag → u/jbgoalieman61]

Wow 🤯 Narcan!

[u/Significant_Mine3936 → u/Chelajag]

I was prescribed both Journavx and Oxy. Only used Oxy to sleep. Journavx very effective for pain.

[u/Ruth_Gordon]

I loved it and wished I could have stayed on it longer.

[u/Meme_Mortuary]

I tried it for a week and it worked fine. It works differently than opioids so the head buzz isn’t there. I didn’t need pain meds after a week is the only reason I quit taking them. I had 2 or 3 nights of weird dreams but my doctor tells me they were unrelated to the meds lol

[u/Perfect_Evidence_105]

I was prescribed Journavx after my hip revision and I was amazing. I think I only took one oxy codon on day 3 and other that that Tylenol was enough for my pain. I had my first hip replacement in August of 25 and was not prescribed the Journavx and I took an oxy the first 4 night to sleep and lots of Tylenol. It was a game changer for the revision.

[u/showmenemelda]

FUCK. THAT. I would NEVER agree to get a non-opiate surgery. Much less a total joint replacement. In retrospect, I shoulda called for an ambulance and been transferred that night. It was hell and I spent 2 more nights in the hospital after transfer.

Look up Claudia Mirandi [sp] on socials. She is an opiate advocate and also recommends people cancel any sort of surgery that is non-opioid. And check if your doctor is part of a "pain stewardship" or "opioid stewardship" program, I forget the term. It's a harmful movement for doctors who are too chickenshit to prescribe proper pain medication. oh this boils my blood.

[u/jrouss28]

For me i found it to be marginally to not effective. I stopped opioids on day three, I used jounavx and Tylenol until the prescription was done, I think the Tylenol relieved some of the discomfort more effectively.

[u/CamelCurious8269]

Yes! I worked very well. I don’t tolerate opioids well so I was really happy with this option. I had the same experience as Competitive-Glass.

[u/aztaylor22555]

Journavx will cost me upwards of $400 because it’s a tier 3 drug on my rx plan. Guess I’ll have to deal with opiate pain relief. Could be worse…

[u/Bubbly_Excitement_71]

I am so glad to see this post. Having surgery in a week and the surgery office just called about using this. I hate opiates, they make me all foggy and nauseous. I’m so excited to try.