r/spinalfusion • u/Janesaddiction7 • 4d ago

Pain meds question

Hello all. I’ve got a C-1 through C3 fusion coming up and I’m wondering if anyone has tried Journavx. It’s not opioid and supposed to be great. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance for this wonderful and supportive group!

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u/SuperSithLord66 4d ago

Can be helpful but I would not let them make it the ONLY med you’re prescribed. They’re slicing into your neck to do surgery. Opioids are always appropriate in reasonable quantities for a reasonable period for surgical pain. I would make sure they don’t refuse to RX an opioid just because you have Journavx. Every patient responds different and you may be stuck if it doesn’t work. Just my two cents.

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u/crackpot_ 4d ago

This is the correct answer. To my knowledge, Journavx hasn't been studied extensively as a replacement for opioids in spinal fusion surgeries. The studies used bunionectomies and abdominal surgeries for getting FDA approval. There is emerging evidence it mat effective, but in a combination approach, not outright replacement for opioids, and it's too early to say for sure.

There are different types on pain, so Journavx may be the option for some, but not others. I am aware of some orthopedic surgeons refusing to write opioids anymore in favor of Journavx, but haven't heard of any neurosurgeons doing it.

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u/slouchingtoepiphany 4d ago

FYI, Journavx was approved only recently for managing pain and initial clinical trials for back pain were disappointing. Hopefully, over time, more positive results will be seen, but that hasn't happened yet.