In the ongoing battle against opioid addiction, medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) have emerged as a vital tool in helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, recent adverse event reports and lawsuits have shed light on the potential dental problems associated with Suboxone and other buprenorphine-containing medications. One such lawsuit, filed earlier this month by an Ohio man named Ryan Bennett, highlights the long-lasting tooth damage that has emerged as a potential side effect of Suboxone and alleges that the manufacturers prioritized profits over patient health. To learn more about the anti-opioid drug Suboxone, its side effects, and legal claims against its manufacturers, contact Consumer Safety Watch today.
Suboxone, a combination medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone, was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a treatment for opioid addiction or opioid use disorder (OUD), including addiction to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioid drugs. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone acts as an opioid antagonist, reversing the effects of opioids. A prescription medication, Suboxone comes in various forms, including sublingual films and tablets, which are meant to be dissolved in the mouth for optimal absorption.
Recent case studies and adverse event reports have indicated a potential connection between anti-opioid medications like Suboxone and dental problems such as tooth decay, tooth loss, cavities, and oral infections. According to reports, the acidic nature of Suboxone and prolonged exposure to teeth can weaken tooth enamel, potentially leading to cavities and other oral health issues. The FDA recently warned that even individuals with no prior history of dental problems may experience severe tooth decay after using Suboxone for an extended period.
In one recent lawsuit alleging dental injuries from Suboxone use, plaintiff Ryan Bennett claims that the manufacturers’ failure to disclose the risk of tooth damage caused him to suffer permanent dental issues. According to the complaint, Bennett was prescribed Suboxone to treat his opioid addiction, unaware of the potential harm it could cause to his teeth. The manufacturers, including Indivior, Inc., Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., MonoSol, Rx, Inc., and Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd., are accused of prioritizing profits over patient wellbeing by withholding crucial information about Suboxone’s dental risks.
Bennett’s lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers were aware of the potential for Suboxone to cause tooth damage, as evidenced by adverse event reports and published case studies. However, the manufacturers allegedly failed to provide adequate warnings to patients and healthcare professionals. It wasn’t until January 2022 that the FDA finally issued a warning about dental problems associated with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth to treat opioid use disorder and pain, and that was only after the agency identified over 300 cases of tooth decay and dental problems among patients using buprenorphine medicines.
Suboxone tooth damage can have long-lasting consequences for individuals seeking treatment for opioid addiction. Bennett’s lawsuit highlights the significant dental work he had to undergo and the permanent damage inflicted on his teeth. Tooth loss, broken teeth, oral infections, and the need for dental extractions are among the potential side effects associated with Suboxone use. These dental issues can cause pain, affect self-esteem, and necessitate costly dental procedures to restore oral health.
Bennett’s case is just one among many Suboxone tooth damage lawsuits that are expected to be filed in the coming months. Individuals who used Suboxone before the 2022 warning may pursue legal claims against the manufacturers, seeking compensation for the dental injuries they suffered. The Suboxone lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew about the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems associated with the opioid addiction medication but failed to disclose this information to patients and healthcare providers.
The growing number of Suboxone tooth damage reports sheds light on the potential risks associated with this medication. While Suboxone has been instrumental in helping individuals overcome opioid addiction, manufacturers must prioritize patient safety and provide adequate warnings about potential side effects. Individuals who have experienced tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental problems after using Suboxone may be eligible for compensation through Suboxone tooth damage lawsuits. If you believe you may be a victim of Suboxone dental injuries, contact Consumer Safety Watch as soon as possible to explore your legal options.