FDA Approves New Non-Opioid Pain Medication

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Every year, thousands of people die from overdosing on opioids in the United States. 

But a new non-opioid pain medication, which was just approved by the FDA, could help change that. 

“80 million people suffer from acute pain, whether from surgery, trauma or other injuries,” said Jianguo Cheng, MD, PhD, anesthesiologist for Cleveland Clinic. “The current mainstream treatment is opioids. You can use NSAIDS and other medications, but usually it’s not as effective. So therefore, this really is a new class of drug.”

Dr. Cheng was not involved with researchingSuzetrigine, but said the drug could be helpful, especially since it is considered non-addictive.

He explains that it works by targeting a pain-signaling pathway in the peripheral nervous system – similar to how an anti-depressant or anti-seizure medication does in the central nervous system.

So, who would be prescribed this drug?

Dr. Cheng said it would typically be given to someone after surgery or trauma.

He notes, however, this wouldn’t stop the use of opioids altogether but could instead be an alternative when appropriate.

“Maybe not as good as a strong opioid, but it does bridge the gap between no opioid, a weak opioid and strong opioid,” he said. “This is something in-between that can be applicable for a large number of patients.”

Some of the drugs most common side effects include itching, muscle spasms, and rash.