Ever feel like the medical world is playing a cruel game with your pain relief? Imagine relying on a breakthrough drug that finally eases your suffering, only to have it yanked away due to arbitrary limits. That's the heart-wrenching reality for many dealing with chronic pain—and it's the core of what we're diving into today. If you've hit that frustrating wall with Journavx, stick around; we're breaking it down step by step, and trust me, there's plenty to unpack that might surprise you.
People’s Pharmacy: The Battle Over Journavx and Chronic Pain Relief
- Advice (https://www.oregonlive.com/advice/)
- Published: Oct. 12, 2025, 6:00 a.m.
Q. I've had great success with Journavx—it cuts down my need for opioids like Norco (a mix of hydrocodone and acetaminophen) or NSAIDs such as Celebrex. But now, my pain doctor is restricting it to just three months per year. That means I'm out for the rest of 2025. She's pushing hard to bend the rules for patients who've benefited, like me. Any advice to offer?
A. Journavx (suzetrigine), a groundbreaking painkiller, received FDA approval on January 30, 2025. It's an entirely novel type of non-opioid pain reliever designed specifically for managing moderate to severe acute pain. For newcomers to this topic, acute pain is typically short-term and linked to sudden injuries or procedures, like the sharp discomfort after a car accident or surgical recovery—it flares up quickly and often fades as the body heals. Chronic pain, on the other hand, lingers for months or even years, stemming from ongoing conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage, making everyday life a constant struggle.
And this is the part most people miss: the issue might stem from that word 'acute.' Journavx hasn't been cleared by the FDA for treating chronic pain, which seems to be your situation. Medically, it's approved for addressing immediate tissue trauma, say, from an accident or surgery. But when pain persists long-term, using it becomes a gray area. Here's where it gets controversial: while the FDA oversees drug approvals, they don't dictate how doctors practice medicine. So, a specialist in pain management could opt to prescribe Journavx for longer durations, even beyond the initial days or weeks, if they believe it's in the patient's best interest. Yet, insurance providers often balk at covering this expensive medication for extended use, leaving patients to foot the bill. With a GoodRx discount, you might pay roughly $480 to $520 for a 30-pill supply—expensive, but potentially a lifeline for those who respond well.
What do you think? Should off-label prescribing be more flexible for chronic pain sufferers, or does it risk overuse and complications? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your take!
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Q. It's puzzling to me that you haven't touched on Alka-Seltzer for tackling indigestion. I've discovered it works wonders for my nighttime heartburn—just a single tablet from the packet does the trick fast. It's incredibly convenient for travel too; I slip a few foil packets into my toiletry bag without taking up much room at all.
A. Alka-Seltzer dates back to the 1930s, when its iconic 'Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh what a relief it is!' jingle captured hearts. Originally, those effervescent tablets blended citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and aspirin for a bubbly solution. To clarify for beginners: the magic happens when sodium bicarbonate (plain old baking soda) mixes with citric acid in water, creating a fizzy reaction that neutralizes excess stomach acid. This provides rapid relief from heartburn symptoms. As a simple alternative, you could try dissolving half a teaspoon of baking soda in about 4 ounces of water for a similar effect—just be cautious with frequent use, as it might affect electrolyte balance over time.
For more in-depth insights on Alka-Seltzer and other strategies to combat heartburn anytime, day or night, check out our 'eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders.' It's a handy online tool available under the Health eGuides section at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
In this column, Joe and Teresa Graedon respond to reader questions. Reach out to them at King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or via email through their site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their latest book, 'Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them,' is packed with practical tips to navigate healthcare pitfalls.
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