4 Journavx (Suzetrigine) Side Effects: Itchiness, Muscle Spasms, and More

Journavx (suzetrigine) is a prescription medication that’s FDA approved to treat moderate-to-severe short-term pain in adults. What makes Journavx notable is that it’s not an opioid. In fact, it’s the first medication approved of its kind to treat this level of pain.

If you’re looking to avoid some of the risks linked to opioids — such as drowsiness, constipation, and dependence — Journavx is a good option to consider. That said, Journavx still comes with its own set of side effects. While many are mild and manageable, it’s helpful to know what to watch for and when to check in with your prescriber.

Journavx side effects at a glance

Journavx is tolerated well overall. A relatively small percentage of people who took this oral tablet in clinical trials experienced side effects.

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Some of the more common Journavx side effects include:

• Itchiness

• Skin rashes

• Muscle spasms

• Elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, which is an enzyme (protein) that’s involved in energy production

Less common risks, including some that are less likely than placebo (a pill with no medication in it), include:

• Nausea

• Sleepiness

• Heart rhythm changes

• Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is a test that shows how well your kidneys are filtering waste products

Below, we’ll walk through four notable side effects of Journavx and how to manage them.

1. Itchiness and skin rashes

Skin-related side effects, such as itchiness and mild rashes, are sometimes reported with Journavx. These symptoms are typically mild and go away after stopping the medication; it’s currently not recommended to take Journavx for longer than 14 days (2 weeks) at a time.

A few simple tips can make a meaningful difference in managing Journavx’s skin-related side effects:

• Apply cool compresses to itchy or irritated areas of skin.

• Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers to keep skin hydrated and reduce itching.

• Avoid hot showers and use lukewarm water instead.

• Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize friction on the affected skin areas.

• Avoid using harsh soaps and abrasive skin products.

• Ask a pharmacist for an anti-itch medication to try, such as a topical corticosteroid.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Journavx 101: Pharmacists describe what to know about Journavx (suzetrigine), from effectiveness and how it works to product availability.

• Non-opioid pain relievers: Journavx isn’t the only opioid alternative. Here’s a list of other opioid alternatives to consider.

• Opioid side effects: Opioids are common treatments for moderate-to-severe pain, but they come with risks. Read on for an overview of side effects to expect with opioids.

If itchiness turns into a rash, take note of when the rash started. Let your prescriber know if it worsens or doesn’t go away after a few days. Call your prescriber right away if the rash is widespread, painful, or blistering.

2. Muscle spasms

Some people taking Journavx report muscle spasms or cramping. These may feel like sudden tightening or twitching in the arms, legs, or other areas.

If your muscles are feeling different after starting Journavx, here are a few self-management tips you can try:

• Massage the affected area(s) to relax the muscles.

• Apply heat to stiff muscles or ice to painful muscles.

• Stretch your muscles gently and do your best to stay physically active. Also, consider active recovery exercises.

• Drink plenty of water to help hydrate your muscles.

• Ensure you're getting enough electrolytes through your diet, particularly magnesium and potassium, which play a role in muscle function.

• Avoid consuming excessive caffeine or alcohol, which can sometimes make spasms worse.

Contact your prescriber if muscle spasms or muscle pain become frequent or hard to tolerate. They may consider reducing your dosage or exploring a different way to manage your pain.

3. Certain changes to labwork

Journavx may cause temporary changes to your lab work. It may lead to elevated CPK levels in your blood. This enzyme is normally found in your muscles and brain; high CPK levels in the bloodstream are a possible sign of muscle injury or inflammation.

In clinical trials, elevated CPK levels were only reported by people who took Journavx after surgery. The CPK levels went down on their own, and didn’t cause noticeable symptoms either. Still, let your healthcare professional know if you develop new muscle aches, weakness, or fatigue — this may prompt a CPK test. Also be sure to report any other unusual symptoms, such as dark urine or unexplained swelling, as they could be signs of a more serious issue.

Journavx may also impact your kidney-related lab work. Some data suggest that it could temporarily decrease your eGFR, which is a test that measures kidney function. While this may not cause symptoms, your prescriber may want to keep tabs on your bloodwork to monitor your kidney health.

Make sure to attend all scheduled lab appointments so your prescriber can catch any potential issues early on.

4. Nausea

Nausea is occasionally reported with Journavx. It may feel like an unsettled stomach or come in waves.

Here’s what you can do if you’re feeling nauseated:

• Avoid greasy, spicy, or overly sweet foods until the nausea passes.

• Sip clear liquids, such as ginger tea or electrolyte drinks.

• Take Journavx with a small snack. But do this if your prescriber says it’s OK. The starting dose of Journavx is normally taken on an empty stomach to help it start working faster. After the starting dose, Journavx can typically be taken with or without food.

• Ask your prescriber if there are any anti-nausea medications you can try.

Thankfully, nausea isn’t that common with Journavx. In clinical trials, people taking hydrocodone / acetaminophen (an opioid) or a placebo were more likely to experience it than those taking Journavx. Still, if you’re feeling really queasy or are having trouble managing nausea, reach out to your prescriber for support.

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Written by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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