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At Patients for Patients, we believe in the power of shared experiences and knowledge. Our blog is a space dedicated to providing valuable insights, resources, and heartfelt stories from the journey of patients and caregivers. Dive into our posts to find a blend of education, inspiration, and community support.
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February 3, 2025
New Painkiller, Opioid Alternative, Approved
On January 30, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Journavx (suzetrigine), a new non-opioid pain medication for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe acute pain. This marks the first new pain reliever drug to be approved by the organization in 27 years and the first drug approved in a new class of analgesic, or pain management, agents.
Most current painkillers prescribed for moderate to severe acute pain, which is considered short-term pain such as from trauma or surgery, are opioids, according to a survey completed in October 2024. Opioids may be effective treatments for more severe levels of pain due to their ability to block pain signals between the brain and body, but they can lead to addiction to and dependence on these drugs. For patients, this new drug represents a significant alternative to opioid painkillers.
The acting director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay, stated in the news announcement that the approval was an important public health milestone as the new type of treatment could help mitigate the risks associated with opioid use for pain relief.
Journavx will be offered as a 50-mg pill taken every 12 hours. Ask your doctor if Journavx may be right for you if you are dealing with acute pain.
Patient Tip for Improving Low Platelet Count
What can a patient do to avoid transfusion in the case of a low platelet count?
Why not try papaya!
Some patients have found that eating fresh papaya can naturally increase platelet counts, avoiding the need for transfusions or for delaying treatments until levels improve.
Papaya has two enzymes that can reduce inflammation and prevent the break down of red blood cells. Additionally, papaya is rich in vitamin C, which can increase platelet count and function.
This effect has not been widely documented for all patients yet, but clinical studies have shown that taking papaya leaf can extract can improve platelet levels for patients with dengue fever.
This tip was provided by a patient; consult with your physician before using papaya to improve your platelet counts.