Suzetrigine (JOURNAVX) for Acute Postoperative Pain: Evidence, Perioperative Integration, and Clinical Guidance.

Suzetrigine (JOURNAVX) is an oral, first-in-class selective NaV1.8 inhibitor approved in the United States for adults with moderate-to-severe acute pain. In 4 randomized controlled trials (n = 2768) using bunionectomy and abdominoplasty models, suzetrigine improved SPID48 versus placebo and showed similar efficacy to hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325 mg. Its short-term safety profile differs from opioids, with less nausea and dizziness but more pruritus and muscle spasms. Clinicians must screen for CYP3A interactions and counsel patients using certain hormonal contraceptives. This review summarizes pharmacology, clinical evidence, and perioperative implementation considerations.