Non-Opioid Drug Approved by FDA

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved of a non-opioid drug known as Journavx. What does that mean for workers’ compensation? If you are injured on the job or fall ill due to factors related to your job, workers’ compensation exists to ensure you receive the appropriate medical care, plus financial assistance to make up for your lost days of work and, if applicable, for any permanent disability resulting from the impairment. Medical treatment has in certain cases included the use of opioids. But Journavx may soon become a preferred alternative for such circumstances.

Opioids as Treatment for Workers’ Comp Injuries

Medical care for workers’ comp cases can include drugs such as opioids to help manage the pain of injuries and surgeries. Over the years, doctors have prescribed opioid analgesics to millions of injured workers for pain relief. These drugs act as painkillers when used medically, and may include codeine, morphine, fentanyle, or oxycodone. They can provide short-term or long-term relief, effectively easing the pain of chronic ailments or surgeries. Opioids should only be taken under the supervision of a physician though, as there are potential side effects to watch for.

Concerns Over Opioid Addiction Following Work Injuries

Unfortunately the misuse of prescription opioids can lead to physical and psychological dependence—and even death from overdose. Those who take higher doses of opioids are also likely to miss more days of work, resulting in higher claim costs for employers. Then when back on the job, such workers may be less alert and slower to react, potentially threatening work safety.

The workers’ comp industry has made efforts in recent years to lower the use of opioids. Thanks to prescribing guidelines, dispensing limits, and raising awareness, claims prescribing opioids have declined. The more physicians go over the matter with injured workers, the less risk they have of dependency. Continuous monitoring throughout the entire recovery period is key to avoiding the misuse of and addiction to opioids. It is also worth looking into alternatives such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and other methods to combat the pain of an illness or injury.

Journavx, an Alternative Non-Opioid Drug for Injured Workers?

The FDA has recently approved Journavx, a non-opioid drug, for the treatment of moderate and severe acute pain. This new pain-management medicine may soon become a viable alternative to opioids, avoiding the risk of addiction and overdosing. As described on the Journavx website, it works to “reduce pain signals before they reach the brain,” and “doesn’t affect other tissues in your body outside of your peripheral nervous system.” The site recommends asking your doctor about how Journavx works, how long you should take it, and what safety precautions you should keep in mind while taking it.

Journavx may be available as soon as March in major national and select regional retail pharmacies. In the meantime, a workers’ comp attorney can assist you with other concerns you might have related to your work injury or illness. Rose Legal will be able to ensure your claim is handled smoothly and fairly while you make your full recovery. Email us at legal@workcomputah.com or call 801-810-ROSE(7673) today.