Summary: The opioid epidemic has underscored the urgent need for effective nonopioid analgesics in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Suzetrigine (Journavx), the first recently Food and Drug Administration–approved nonopioid analgesic in 20 years, selectively targets NaV1.8 sodium channels in peripheral nociceptors, offering potent pain relief without significant adverse effects or addictive potential. This article served as an in-depth review of the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of suzetrigine, tailored to the plastic surgeon. The Food and Drug Administration approval process of the drug is explored, including the strongest phase 3 clinical data available. Suzetrigine has shown promising efficacy in postoperative settings, with potential for use as a premedication and intraoperatively during office-based surgery. Integrating it into multimodal pain regimens and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols could reduce narcotic use in plastic surgery. Suzetrigine represents a significant advancement, providing plastic surgeons with an effective means to combat opioid dependence and reduce adverse outcomes. This article advocates for extended trials and increased support to ensure widespread adoption and equitable access to this drug, positioning plastic surgeons as leaders in innovative pain management.
Wiegmann et al. (Thu,) studied this question.