By Ryan Stack
Suboxone, a commonly prescribed drug for treating opioid addiction, has been linked to dental problems and tooth decay.
It is successful in helping people kick their opiate addiction. However, there have been worries regarding its detrimental effects on dental health. This begs the question of how Suboxone use and tooth decay are related and what underlying variables are causing this problem.
Comprehending the possible dental hazards linked to Suboxone is crucial for both medical practitioners and individuals. It enables appropriate dental care to be provided in conjunction with addiction treatment, as well as learned decision-making.
Let us, in this article, look at one particular case of Suboxone causing tooth decay. This would help people understand how to face such circumstances by taking rightful legal actions.
Ohio Man Fights Back
A Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit has been filed by an Ohio man against several corporations. The lawsuit claims that Suboxone caused serious oral problems to the claimant.
The plaintiff, Keith King, sued Aquestive Therapeutics Inc., Indivior Inc., Indivior PLC, and Indivior Solutions Inc. for product liability. Reckitt Benckiser LLC, MonoSol Rx Inc., and Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd. are on the list as well.
These businesses are in charge of Suboxone's development, production, marketing, and distribution.
Suboxone was first provided to King to treat pain from an opioid prescription. He says that after using it for 16 months, he developed severe tooth rot and needed several tooth extractions.
Back in the History
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized Suboxone in 2002 as an oral tablet to treat dependence on opioid drugs. It was later certified as a film that could dissolve within the cheek in 2015.
The medication's two primary components are Buprenorphine, which lessens cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The second is Naloxone, which can both inhibit and reverse the consequences of an opioid overdose.
Even though Suboxone has been a major factor in its management, King's case highlights the oral problems linked to the opioid crisis.
Public Warnings and Actions
Following two decades of commercialization, the FDA made the public aware of Suboxone's tendency to cause dental issues.
Due to its acidic pH of 3.4, it has been linked to cavities, tooth decay, oral infections, and loss of teeth. Patients who have never experienced dental problems before may nevertheless exhibit it.
The FDA recognizes that Buprenorphine is still a vital therapeutic option for pain and opioid use disorder despite these hazards. This is because the advantages outweigh the possible drawbacks.
However, the FDA required Suboxone and medical literature to have a dental warning label in response to these dangers. To warn consumers of probable dental issues, this step came to fruition in June 2022.
Lawsuits are being filed by several people who used dissolvable Suboxone tablets or films and later developed dental issues. They contend that insufficient warnings concerning possible dental side effects were provided by the producers.
People who have been prescribed Suboxone for pain relief or opioid addiction for at least six months are eligible to file a lawsuit. TorHoerman Law states that they ought to have experienced problems such as cavities, damage to the tongue, rotting, fractured or lost teeth.
Furthermore, individuals must have visited a dentist before starting Suboxone. It is important to note that these lawsuits are in the early stages.
Settlements and Claims
In a significant development, a maker of Suboxone has settled with Ohio's Attorney General and 40 other state attorneys general.
The settlement resolves antitrust complaints against the manufacturer, Indivior, and involves a payment of $102.5 million. Ohio stands to receive just under $6 million in the settlement.
The states claimed that Indivior altered its product somewhat to keep its patent and avoid competition from less expensive generics. Critics contended that these modifications increased the drug's susceptibility to abuse.
Critics also pointed out that the strips were easier to carry and could be broken into smaller parts. It appears to happen in places like jails and prisons, where they were used for recreational purposes rather than for addiction treatment.
Ohio has been heavily impacted by the opioid crisis, just like many other states. It outperformed several other states in 2021 with an age-adjusted overdose death rate of 48.1 per 1,00,000 persons.
It was determined that Indivior's actions broke both state and federal statutes against anti-competitive behavior. In holding pharmaceutical firms responsible for their conduct throughout the opioid crisis, this settlement is a major step forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Suboxone have an impact on sexual function?
Some individuals have reported sexual side effects while taking Suboxone, such as decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm. However, these effects are not experienced by everyone and may vary between individuals.
Can Suboxone cause dental problems?
There have been reports of dental issues, including tooth decay, associated with long-term use of Suboxone. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are essential to minimize the risk of dental problems.
Is it common to experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing Suboxone?
Withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping Suboxone abruptly after long-term use. It is recommended to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a tapering plan to gradually reduce the dosage and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Can Suboxone interact with other medications?
Suboxone may interact with certain medications, including benzodiazepines, sedatives, and certain antidepressants. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Patients and healthcare providers must take precautions to maintain proper oral hygiene and are informed of this possible side effect.
Tooth decay and other dental issues can be reduced with regular dental checkups, appropriate dental care, and a thorough treatment plan that takes addiction and oral health into account.
