Digging Deeper into the Suboxone Lawsuit: Dental Injuries and Legal Action

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Suboxone is a medication widely utilized in the realm of addiction treatment, particularly for individuals struggling with opioid dependence. This medication combines two ingredients; buprenorphine and naloxone. The primary purpose of Suboxone is to assist individuals in overcoming their addiction by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. While Suboxone has proven effective in aiding recovery, it is crucial to be aware of its potential side effects, which may take a serious turn. This article explores the side effects of Suboxone on health and discusses the importance of healthcare for individuals undergoing Suboxone treatment. 

How to use Suboxone?

Suboxone is available as a film that can be applied to the inside of the cheek or under the tongue. It will dissolve there in five to ten minutes. It is recommended to put Suboxone under the tongue when beginning treatment. An initial dose of 1 mg of naloxone and 4 mg of buprenorphine is advised, states the European Medicines Agency. Depending on the patient's reaction, the doctor may raise the dosage; however, the daily amount of buprenorphine shouldn't go over 24 mg. Following patient stabilization, the maintenance dose may be progressively decreased, and treatment may ultimately be discontinued. Before beginning Suboxone treatment, the patient's liver should be examined. It should also be routinely tested while the patient is under treatment. Lower initial doses are advised for patients whose liver function is mild to moderately impaired. 

Adverse Reactions of Suboxone

According to Verywell Health, Suboxone and buprenorphine are less harmful than conventional opioids. However, they may have unfavorable side effects such as the following:

Back pain

Blurred vision

Constipation

Difficulty with sleep

Mouth numbness

Headache

Stomach pain

Tongue pain

More serious side effects can occur, including:

Difficulty breathing

Swelling of the mouth or tongue

Dental problems have been reported with buprenorphine formulations that are dissolved in the mouth. These include:

Tooth decay

Cavities

Oral infections

Tooth loss

Even those without a history of oral problems have been known to experience these potentially dangerous difficulties. It's crucial to keep in mind that, despite being less strong and typically safer than conventional opioids, buprenorphine abuse can result in dependency.

Suboxone Lawsuit

After using Suboxone, some individuals developed major tooth problems, leading to the filing of lawsuits. Patients who took suboxone reported experiencing dry mouth, which increased their risk of irreversible tooth damage.

Allegations in these lawsuits assert that Indivior failed to alert customers and healthcare practitioners to the risk to dental health, even though it either should have known or knew it. The National Institutes of Health launched new, extensive research in October 2023 to examine the relationship between oral buprenorphine and the emergence of dental issues. Research demonstrating a connection between dental problems and suboxone is crucial to Suboxone lawsuit cases. Therefore, any new findings in this field are especially interesting. As per TorHoerman Law, Suboxone lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of the sublingual films did not adequately inform consumers about the dangers of tooth decay and other dental illnesses. The Northern District of Ohio received the first case on September 23, 2023. More than a hundred cases alleging Suboxone caused harm were pending in federal courts across several jurisdictions as of November 2023. So far, there have been no settled claims claiming Suboxone treatment caused dental injury. To consider the unification of all federal court Suboxone litigation, the Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation convened in January 2024. The lawsuits might be resolved more quickly under a consolidated multidistrict litigation (MDL). As of yet, no order containing the MDL consolidation decision has been released. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Suboxone addictive?

Suboxone itself can be habit-forming, but it is considered less addictive than full opioid agonists. When used as prescribed under medical supervision, the risk of addiction is significantly reduced. Can I stop taking Suboxone abruptly?

It is not recommended to stop taking Suboxone abruptly without medical guidance. Sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a tapering plan when discontinuing Suboxone treatment. Is Suboxone the only treatment option for opioid dependence?

No, Suboxone is just one of several medications used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence. Other options include methadone and naltrexone. The choice of treatment depends on individual circumstances and should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider. Both RB Group and Indivior have refrained from publicly commenting on the claims that they neglected to notify patients about the potential for oral harm from suboxone. It was not until the FDA sent out a warning letter alerting the public to the possibility of dental damage from buprenorphine, one of the medications in Suboxone, that the FDA updated the warning label.

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