New Lawsuit Alleges Side Effects of Suboxone Caused Irreversible Dental Damage

A former Suboxone user has filed a product liability lawsuit against the makers of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. The lawsuit alleges that the side effects of Suboxone, specifically the sublingual film version, caused significant dental damage, including tooth decay and tooth loss. In the complaint, the plaintiff, Ewell Cassidy, claims that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn users and the medical community about these potential side effects, leading to irreversible tooth damage and the need for extensive dental work. If you or someone you love suffered tooth decay or other side effects after using Suboxone, contact Consumer Safety Watch right away for help.

Background on Suboxone Use

Suboxone, which contains the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone, is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of opioid use disorder or addiction. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same highs and lows associated with opioid misuse. The drug was initially introduced in 2002 as a dissolvable tablet. However, in 2013, a sublingual film version of Suboxone was introduced, which is meant to be placed under the tongue or inside the cheek for administration.

Link Between Suboxone and Dental Damage

Recent studies have highlighted the potential link between Suboxone treatment and dental damage. Reports have indicated that the acidic composition of the sublingual film can lead to severe dental erosion, decay, and other severe oral health issues. Patients have experienced tooth decay, cavities, infections, tooth loss, and even the need for oral surgeries to address the damage caused by Suboxone.

Lack of Adequate Tooth Decay Warnings

Ewell Cassidy’s recent Suboxone lawsuit claims that the manufacturers of Suboxone, including Indivior, Inc., Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., and Reckitt Benckiser LLC, failed to provide sufficient warnings about the risks of dental damage associated with the sublingual film version of Suboxone. The complaint raises allegations that the manufacturers were aware of the potential for tooth decay and other dental problems but did not adequately convey this information to prescribing doctors or patients. Cassidy argues that earlier warnings could have prevented the permanent damage to his teeth.

Growing Number of Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

Cassidy’s case joins a growing number of product liability lawsuits being pursued against the manufacturers of Suboxone. Many of these lawsuits involve similar allegations, claiming that users could have avoided dental damage if they had been properly warned about the potential side effects of the medication. The plaintiffs seek financial compensation for the costs of dental treatment, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the use of Suboxone.

Studies Linking Suboxone to Dental Damage

Several research studies have supported the claims made by plaintiffs in these lawsuits. A research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported an increased risk of adverse dental outcomes in patients using sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) compared to those using transdermal buprenorphine and oral naltrexone. According to the authors, the acidic nature of the sublingual film and its prolonged contact with the teeth may contribute to tooth damage.

Another study published in the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders examined 11 patients with opioid addictions who experienced dental problems after taking buprenorphine. The researchers noted low salivary buffering capacity in over half of the patients, which could contribute to dental issues. Prolonged exposure of the teeth to dissolving buprenorphine was also identified as a potential factor in tooth decay.

In January 2022, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication warning that dental problems “have been reported with medicines containing buprenorphine that are dissolved in the mouth.” According to the agency, side effects like tooth decay, cavities, oral infections, and loss of teeth have been reported in connection with Suboxone use, even in patients with no history of dental issues.

Plaintiffs Seeking to Hold Manufacturers Accountable

Ewell Cassidy’s lawsuit is just one of many legal cases seeking accountability from the manufacturers of Suboxone for the alleged dental damage caused by the medication. The outcome of this lawsuit, as well as others like it, could have significant implications for individuals who have experienced dental problems as a result of Suboxone treatment. If you believe you have been adversely affected by alleged side effects of Suboxone, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from an experienced product liability attorney. Call Consumer Safety Watch today to find out how to proceed.