Can The New Painkiller Promises Be Trusted?

The FDA has announced a new pain killer that could be a breakthrough in the fight against opioid addiction but those on the frontlines of the addiction epidemic remain cautious. At the Metro Drug Coalition in Knoxville addiction is a daily concern. 

Karen Pershing from MDC explains that for many Tennesseans the journey to addiction begins when a doctor prescribes painkillers for legitimate pain relief following surgery or injury. Despite being intended for medical use these opioid medications can quickly lead to dependency and ultimately addiction.

This contributed to an addiction crisis that has been claiming lives and ravaging communities across the US. 

The Care Act of 2016 provided funding to enable pharmacies to research and develop safer alternatives to opioids. One of the results of this effort is Journavx. It’s a new painkiller designed to provide pain relief without the same addictive side effects as traditional opioids. 

Journavx was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January but Pershing wants to see it in use before fully endorsing it. 

She recalls how similar promises were made when oxycodone was first introduced. It then proved to be yet another addictive and dangerous medication.

Pershing also has concerns about cost which is greater than $15 per pill. She worries that many people won’t be able to afford this potential solution which could put it beyond the reach of those who need it most.

Yet she thinks the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks. She explains that there’s a chance it could lower overdose death rates and reduce the number of families impacted by addiction.