Summary
Earlier this year, the FDA approved a new painkiller called Journavx, offering an alternative to opioids. However, its high cost and limited insurance coverage make it hard for many people to access. The medication is approved only for short-term acute pain and not for chronic pain, affecting its availability to those with ongoing pain issues.
Key Facts
- The FDA approved Journavx, a new non-opioid painkiller, for the first time in over 20 years.
- Journavx is designed for severe acute pain and works by blocking pain signals.
- The medication is approved for short-term use, not for chronic pain that lasts longer than three months.
- Journavx costs about $15 per pill without insurance.
- Many insurance companies do not cover Journavx for chronic pain, limiting access.
- In some states, insurance coverage for Journavx is improving slightly, but it remains inconsistent.
- Traditional opioids are much cheaper since they are off-patent and available in generic forms.
- Some patients face difficulties getting refills of Journavx even after initial insurance approval.
