column (e.g. in newspaper)
2026.08.29
What Is JOURNAVX™? An Explanation of This Non-Opioid Analgesic Gaining Attention in Aesthetic Medicine Pain Management
He is also a leader outside of the clinic, serving as president of Creation Labo, producer of cutting edge, and board member of the Japanese Society of Cosmetic Internal Medicine. She is also active as a leader outside the clinic, serving as the president of Creation Labo, producer of Cutting Edge, and board member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Internal Medicine. She aims to go beyond satisfaction to inspiration. He is a game changer in the world of aesthetic medicine, proposing Lifestyle Beauty that transcends the boundaries of aesthetic medicine.
In cosmetic medicine, it is important to consider not only the final results but also the experience during and after the procedure. The invasiveness and pain associated with surgery can be stressful for the body and may trigger a stress response involving hormones such as cortisol.
Against this backdrop, JOURNAVX™ is gaining attention as a new option for postoperative pain management. From the perspective of the physicians at BIANCA CLINIC, we will briefly explain its features.
What kind of medication is Journalax?
JOURNAVX™ is a non-opioid analgesic that targets the NaV1.8 sodium channel in peripheral nerves to suppress pain signal transmission.
JOURNAVX™ (JournaVax), whose generic name is suzetrigine, received approval from the U.S. FDA in January 2025 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in adults.
Its distinctive feature is that it selectively inhibits the NaV1.8 sodium channel, which is expressed in peripheral sensory neurons. It acts on pain signal transmission through a pathway different from that of opioids.
It is also being studied in the context of postoperative pain management in cosmetic surgery.
Clinical research is also underway on the use of Jarnavax for pain management following cosmetic and plastic surgery.
In a Phase 4 trial* published in 2026, 99 patients who underwent cosmetic or reconstructive surgery received pain management that combined multiple analgesic methods, including JOURNAVX™. The results showed that 90.9% of the patients did not use rescue opioids until the end of the treatment period.
However, based on this study alone, it cannot be conclusively stated that “using Jarvax eliminates the need for opioids.” This is because the study did not directly compare Jarvax with other treatments. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and proper usage.
*Phase 4 trials… Trials conducted after the product has been released (after it has gone on the market)
Reference Materials
It is also being studied as a preparatory treatment for highly invasive dermatological procedures.
Research is also beginning to explore the potential use of JOURNAVX™ as a pre-treatment for highly invasive dermatological procedures, such as Mohs surgery, as part of a multidisciplinary pain management regimen that includes preoperative administration.
In the aforementioned Phase 4 trial, JOURNAVX™ was administered starting before surgery and used as part of a multimodal pain management regimen following the procedure. The goal of administering it in advance is to make it easier to control pain following a highly invasive procedure.
This preoperative approach is beginning to attract attention not only in Mohs surgery (surgical excision of skin cancer) but also in other highly invasive dermatological procedures where opioid prescribing practices have long been a concern; in fact, review articles introducing the potential applications of Opioid Back have been published in international dermatology journals.
However, these studies were primarily conducted with surgical excision procedures in mind, and similar effects have not been confirmed for the full range of treatments commonly performed in aesthetic medicine, such as laser treatments and injectable therapies. Please also note that JarnaVax is not an approved drug in Japan—including for use as a pre-treatment—and therefore cannot be used in the country.
Reference Materials
The Relationship Between Pain, Stress, and Cortisol
Surgical stress can trigger the body's stress response, and depending on the degree of stress, cortisol levels may rise.
Surgery is a source of stress for the body. A systematic review* of 71 studies involving 2,953 participants reported that the greater the physical strain of a surgery, the greater the increase in cortisol levels before and after the procedure.
While research has examined the links between chronic stress and cortisol and health and aging, it has not been confirmed that pain following cosmetic surgery directly “accelerates aging.” Furthermore, there is no evidence that Jarnavax has anti-aging effects.
Since these treatments are intended to enhance your beauty, it’s important to consider not only the results but also any pain or physical strain they may cause.
*Systematic review… A research method that synthesizes and evaluates the results of multiple studies
Important Points to Know About Journalax
JOURNAVX™ (Journavax) is associated with drug interactions and side effects, and as an unapproved drug in Japan, it must be handled with caution.
The U.S. FDA package insert lists itching, muscle cramps, elevated CK (creatine phosphokinase) levels, and rash as the main side effects. No serious side effects have been reported, and nausea and vomiting appear to occur relatively infrequently.
In addition, caution is required when taking this medication in combination with certain CYP3A inhibitors or when consuming grapefruit.
JOURNAVX™ is approved in the United States but is not approved in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does BIANCA CLINIC manage pain after cosmetic surgery?
A. At BIANCA CLINIC, we determine the appropriate approach to pain management based on the specific procedure and the patient’s post-operative condition. We offer several options for anesthetics used during surgery. We also prescribe pain medication after surgery; however, the method of administration varies depending on the patient’s condition, so please consult your doctor during your consultation for more details.
Q. How is JOURNAVX™ different from opioid pain relievers?
A. JJOURNAVX™ is a non-opioid analgesic that selectively inhibits the NaV1.8 sodium channel in peripheral nerves. It does not target opioid receptors and acts on acute pain through a different mechanism.
Q. Is JOURNAVX™ also used to treat pain following cosmetic surgery?
A. In the United States, it has been evaluated in clinical trials involving acute postoperative pain, such as that associated with abdominoplasty, and research is progressing regarding its use in postoperative pain management in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. However, it is not approved in Japan, so its use in Japan must be considered separately.
Q. Is JOURNAVX™ also used as a preparatory treatment before invasive dermatological procedures?
A. In the United States, research is being conducted on the use of JOURNAVX™—administered starting before surgery to facilitate postoperative pain management—in highly invasive surgical procedures such as the Moes procedure. However, JOURNAVX is not approved for use in Japan—including for this application—and is not commonly used as a preoperative treatment in aesthetic medicine settings.
Cosmetic Medicine That Takes Post-Surgery Pain Into Account
JOURNAVX™ is a new type of analgesic that acts on acute pain through a mechanism different from that of opioids. Research is also underway in the fields of cosmetic surgery and dermatology, making it one of the options to watch when considering future pain management in aesthetic medicine.
At the same time, it is essential to understand not only the characteristics of medications but also their safety, potential interactions, and approval status in Japan. At BIANCA CLINIC, we provide information on the latest findings in aesthetic medicine while verifying the underlying medical evidence.
