Suzetrigine Linked to Reduced Opioid Refills After Surgery

A study presented in September 2026 found that the medication may help post-surgical patients avoid opioid use.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Arthritis

Isometric editorial illustration of a glass beaker with blue liquid and sterile surgical tools on a laboratory table. — A retrospective study presented in September 2026 suggests that suzetrigine may help patients undergoing knee arthroplasty reduce their reliance on opioid refills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should medical providers prioritize non-opioid pain treatments, even if costs are higher for the patient?

A retrospective study presented between September 8 and 11, 2026, indicated that patients who used suzetrigine following knee arthroplasty were more likely to avoid opioid refills. Findings suggested that the intervention could support opioid-sparing protocols without compromising functional outcomes.

Why it matters

Reducing opioid reliance after major orthopedic surgery remains a priority for clinicians seeking to mitigate addiction risks. This research investigates whether new pharmacological interventions can maintain patient quality of life while minimizing the need for controlled substances.

In a study of 104 patients, 88.5% of those receiving suzetrigine were opioid-free at 6 weeks compared to 65.4% of control patients. Approximately half of the patients who obtained insurance coverage for the drug faced an out-of-pocket cost of around $30.

The players

PAINWeek 2026

This is an annual national conference focused on pain management education for clinicians and healthcare professionals.

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

This is an academic medical center and health network that conducts clinical research and provides specialized patient care.

The details

Investigators at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin compared patient medical records to assess the impact of suzetrigine on recovery. While the study showed success in reducing opioid use, researchers observed no statistically significant differences in pain scores or functional recovery between the two cohorts.

September 8-11, 2026: Findings were presented at the PAINWeek 2026 conference.
2-week visit: Researchers measured opioid refill avoidance.
6 weeks: Researchers measured patient opioid-free status.

The Big Picture

This research aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain by providing a concrete clinical alternative to traditional pain management. It follows the broader trend of evidence-based efforts to reduce the prevalence of opioid prescriptions in the United States.

Patients undergoing knee arthroplasty may find that non-opioid options like suzetrigine help them manage post-surgical pain without the risks associated with opioids. Individuals should consult their surgeon regarding the availability of this medication and their specific insurance coverage requirements.

The takeaway

This study highlights that pharmacological alternatives can be effective tools in reducing opioid dependency after orthopedic surgery. Patients should discuss personalized pain management plans with their medical team to determine the most effective options for their specific recovery.