In 2022, a wave of lawsuits emerged against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction. These lawsuits allege that Suboxone, specifically the sublingual film version, can cause severe dental problems, including tooth decay, erosion, and gum disease.
The lawsuits claim that Indivior knew or should have known about the potential risks of Suboxone on dental health but failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers. They also allege that Indivior aggressively marketed the sublingual film version of Suboxone despite these risks.
The Science Behind the Suboxone Dental Link
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, an opioid that dissolves slowly in the mouth. This slow dissolution exposes the teeth to acidic substances that can erode enamel and lead to tooth decay. Additionally, Suboxone can dry out the mouth, reducing saliva production, which is essential for protecting teeth from bacteria and acids.
FDA Warnings and Legal Action
In January 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert warning of the increased risk of dental problems associated with Suboxone. The FDA recommended that healthcare providers discuss oral health risks with patients and advise them on preventive measures.
Despite the FDA’s warnings, lawsuits against Indivior continued to mount. In June 2022, the FDA ordered Indivior to update the prescribing information for Suboxone to include a stronger warning about dental risks.
Conclusion
The Suboxone dental lawsuit is a significant legal battle that highlights the potential risks of even widely used medications. It is important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication, including Suboxone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the symptoms of Suboxone-related dental problems?
A: Symptoms of Suboxone-related dental problems can include tooth decay, erosion, gum disease, dry mouth, and increased sensitivity.
Q: Who is most at risk of Suboxone-related dental problems?
A: People who use Suboxone for a long period of time, have poor oral hygiene, or have a history of dental problems are at the highest risk.
Q: What can I do to prevent Suboxone-related dental problems?
A: Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups. You may also want to consider using a fluoride rinse or chewing sugar-free gum to help protect your teeth.
Q: If I have already experienced dental problems from Suboxone, what can I do?
A: Talk to your dentist about your treatment options. They may recommend additional preventive measures or restorative treatments to address the damage caused by Suboxone.
Q: What is the status of the Suboxone dental lawsuits?
A: The Suboxone dental lawsuits are currently in the pretrial phase. A trial date has not yet been set.
Q: What is the potential outcome of the Suboxone dental lawsuits?
A: If the plaintiffs are successful, Indivior could be forced to pay damages to patients who have suffered dental injuries from Suboxone. The company could also be required to take additional steps to warn patients about the potential risks of the medication.
