Journavx Linked to Fewer Opioid Prescriptions After Knee Surgery

A retrospective study presented at a surgical meeting found patients given Journavx after knee replacement were less likely to fill opioid prescriptions.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Arthritis

Single white capsule beside a glass of water on a pale grey surface under soft window light. — Researchers reported that patients given Journavx, a non-opioid pain drug made by Vertex, after knee replacement were less likely to fill opioid prescriptions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Researchers reviewing records of patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty found that those who received Journavx as part of standard postoperative care were more likely to be discharged without an opioid prescription. Results were presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting.

Why it matters

Opioid prescribing after joint replacement is a long-standing concern, and the findings suggest a non-opioid option may reduce reliance on opioids during recovery. The study is retrospective, so it shows an association rather than proof that Journavx caused the difference.

The retrospective review compared 106 patients who received Journavx with 1,487 who did not, and 70% of Journavx patients never filled an opioid prescription within 30 days. Whether the difference reflects the drug itself or other factors in patient selection remains unresolved.

The players

Vertex

Vertex is a biotechnology company that manufactures Journavx, a non-opioid pain medication whose generic name is suzetrigine.

American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons is a professional organization of orthopedic surgeons that hosted the annual meeting where the study was presented.

The details

Researchers adjusted for age, gender and BMI to balance the two patient groups, then compared outcomes for patients stratified as inpatient or outpatient procedures. Journavx, known generically as suzetrigine and manufactured by Vertex, was used as part of multimodal pain management in the treatment group.

30-day follow-up period tracked opioid prescription fills and refills after surgery.
Results were published by Healio on November 7, 2026.

Big Picture

The findings add orthopedic surgery evidence to the case for Journavx as a non-opioid option in postoperative pain care. Whether similar results appear in prospective trials remains an open question.

Patients facing knee replacement may encounter non-opioid pain options such as Journavx as part of their post-surgery plan. Anyone considering such a procedure should discuss pain management and prescription options with their surgeon.

The takeaway

Non-opioid pain medications are increasingly part of joint replacement recovery discussions, but patients should ask their care team how these options fit their own situation. The study's association should be weighed alongside results from larger prospective trials as they become available.