Key takeaways
- 56% of healthcare professionals would prescribe Suzetrigine as first-line treatment for chronic pain
- 77% of healthcare professionals believe Suzetrigine could significantly reduce opioid dependency
- 67% of patients would try Suzetrigine over an opioid
- 51% of patients trust Suzetrigine over opioids in being nonaddictive, and 56% trust its efficacy in pain management
- More than 1 in 4 patients are willing to pay more for Suzetrigine if it promises to have fewer side effects than opioids
Suzetrigine, a new painkiller marketed as nonaddictive, has sparked widespread curiosity and debate. As the first treatment of its kind, it offers a potential alternative to opioids, a class of drugs that has caused devastating addiction rates. This breakthrough has significant implications for independent clinics, particularly those specializing in pain management, mental health, primary care, pediatrics, and family medicine, as they seek to provide safe and effective pain relief options while minimizing the risks of addiction.
To understand the perspectives surrounding Suzetrigine, Tebra surveyed healthcare professionals and patients. Our findings explore the potential future of pain management and the readiness of the medical community and the public to embrace this innovation.
What healthcare professionals think of Suzetrigine
While healthcare professionals are cautiously optimistic about Suzetrigine's potential, they also have concerns and questions that need to be addressed before widespread adoption.
![Chart showing top medical conditions where Suzetrigine could replace opioids, including chronic pain, acute injury pain, and post-surgery recovery.](/theintake/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheintake.wpengine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F02%2Ftop-conditions-suzetrigine-could-replace-opiods-scaled.webp&w=3840&q=75)
- 77% of healthcare professionals believe Suzetrigine could significantly reduce opioid dependency
- 56% would prescribe it as first-line treatment for chronic pain
- Healthcare professionals' willingness to prescribe Suzetrigine depends most on clinical trial data (76%) and long-term side effects (73%)
- Healthcare professionals' top concern about Suzetrigine is a lack of long-term safety data (72%)
- 63% of healthcare professionals worry Suzetrigine might be too costly for their patients
![Survey results on top patient concerns about Suzetrigine, including side effects, cost, insurance coverage, and long-term safety data.](/theintake/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheintake.wpengine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F02%2Ftop-patient-concerns-suzetrigine.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Independent clinics, with their focus on personalized care and patient education, can play a crucial role in guiding patients toward appropriate pain management options, including Suzetrigine, and monitoring their progress closely. By leveraging EHR and billing software, these clinics can also help patients navigate insurance coverage and explore potential cost-saving strategies. They can therefore ensure access to this promising new treatment.
Patient trust and willingness to try Suzetrigine
While many patients express a willingness to try Suzetrigine, several concerns and hesitations remain.
![Survey results on patient trust in Suzetrigine, covering trust levels in non-addictiveness, pain management, side effects, and long-term safety.](/theintake/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheintake.wpengine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F02%2Fpatient-trust-suzetrigine.webp&w=3840&q=75)
- 50% of patients have been prescribed opioids in the past
- 67% of patients would try Suzetrigine over an opioid
- 51% of patients trust Suzetrigine over opioids in being nonaddictive, and 56% trust its efficacy in moderate to severe pain management
- More than 1 in 4 patients are willing to pay more for Suzetrigine if it promises to have fewer side effects than opioids
- Patients' top concerns about Suzetrigine include potential side effects (58%), a lack of familiarity with the medication (52%), and insurance coverage (48%)
![Survey results on top patient concerns about Suzetrigine, including side effects, cost, insurance coverage, and long-term safety data.](/theintake/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheintake.wpengine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F02%2Ftop-patient-concerns-suzetrigine.webp&w=3840&q=75)
Independent clinics can build trust and alleviate patient concerns by providing thorough consultations, offering educational resources, and fostering open communication. This personalized approach can help patients make informed decisions about their pain management options and feel confident in their healthcare journey.
The future of pain relief: A new era of patient trust and clinical innovation
The introduction of Suzetrigine marks a potential turning point in pain management. It offers hope for a safer and more effective alternative to opioids.
![Chart showing top medical conditions where Suzetrigine could replace opioids, including chronic pain, acute injury pain, and post-surgery recovery.](/theintake/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheintake.wpengine.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F02%2Ftop-conditions-suzetrigine-could-replace-opiods-scaled.webp&w=3840&q=75)
As Suzetrigine becomes more widely available, private practices that embrace innovation and prioritize patient-centric care will be well-positioned to lead the way in responsible pain management. By leveraging technology and fostering strong patient relationships, these clinics can help individuals find relief from pain while minimizing the risks of addiction and other adverse effects.
Methodology
Tebra surveyed 722 Americans and 298 healthcare professionals to explore their perceptions of Suzetrigine.
About Tebra
Tebra, headquartered in Southern California, empowers private healthcare practices with cutting-edge AI and automation to drive growth, streamline care, and boost efficiency. Our all-in-one EHR and billing platform delivers everything you need to attract and engage your patients, including online scheduling, reputation management, and digital communications.
Inspired by "vertebrae," our name embodies our mission to be the backbone of healthcare success. With over 165,000 providers and 190 million patient records, Tebra is redefining healthcare through innovation and a commitment to customer success. We're not just optimizing operations — we're ensuring independent practices thrive.
Fair use statement
Noncommercial use of these findings is allowed as long as a link to this article is provided.