Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a chronic condition affecting countless people worldwide.
Many individuals with this addiction misuse heroin, prescription pain relievers, and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. OUD patients can experience unfavorable social, health, and financial consequences, such as increased risks of death and overdose.
Therefore, it is necessary to seek effective treatment that will help patients break the addiction cycle and reclaim their lives.
A holistic recovery plan comprises psychological, medical, and behavioral interventions. One of the common medications used to treat OUD is Suboxone, which has both naloxone and buprenorphine. It can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, enabling patients to manage their recovery.
However, the medication is currently under legal scrutiny for its fatal side effects, such as dental decay. Drugwatch reported that as of September 2024, there were nearly 674 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits pending in MDL. This has made most OUD patients hesitant about using this medication as a part of their recovery program. To learn more, keep reading this article.
Understanding Suboxone and its Benefits in OUD Recovery
Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain, minimizing the effects of opioids. It prevents the highs and lows that contribute to addiction. Naloxone, on the other hand, prevents misuse by blocking the euphoric effects when the medication is being tampered with or abused.
Hence, Suboxone helps patients stabilize and allows them to focus on behavioral therapies and counseling to recover better. According to American Addiction Centers, Suboxone is a safe alternative to methadone for treating OUD. It’s because of the medication:
- Reduces the chances of overdose.
- Minimizes the chances of misuse.
- Allows for alternate-day dosage because of its long-acting effects.
Additionally, Suboxone can be administered on an outpatient basis. This allows patients to maintain their everyday schedules while managing the recovery plan. This ease and flexibility make it an ideal choice for people who want to continue their treatment along with work and other responsibilities.
Potential Side Effects and Complications of Suboxone
Suboxone’s complications outweigh its benefits. This is the reason patients who are willing to treat their OUD are thinking twice before opting for this medicine. Dental health issues are one of the common issues that patients face.
What makes Suboxone harmful for your gums and teeth? According to World Pharmacy Today, Suboxone’s acidity level is the primary culprit. When you take this medication sublingually, it creates an acidic environment in your mouth. As a result, it can demineralize and weaken tooth enamel, increasing the chances of decay.
Additionally, Suboxone has a pH of 3.4 when dissolved, similar to fruits like grapefruits and sodas like Mountain Dew. This acidity may erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and bacterial damage.
On September 10, 2024, a man from Utah filed his Suboxone lawsuit, claiming that Indivior and Aquestive Therapeutics are accountable for his dental harm. He was prescribed the medicine to treat his OUD, which led to irreversible dental problems, such as tooth decay and erosion.
The lawsuit also highlighted the warning that the FDA issued in January 2022 about the potential side effects of buprenorphine-based medicines. However, Suboxone’s medication guide added such warnings only in June 2022.
Such lawsuits claim punitive and compensatory damages, defective design, alleging negligence, and failing to offer correct warnings.
Other Complications of Suboxone
Unfortunately, Suboxone’s side effects are not limited to dental health issues only. The common complications include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Swelling of legs and arms
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Numbness, redness, and burning sensation in the tongue and mouth
- Insomnia
Other than these, other severe complications are less common, such as:
- Adrenal changes
- Allergic reactions
- Low blood pressure every time you stand up
- Breathing issues related to sleep
- Impaired liver function
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is necessary to seek medical assistance to check if Suboxone caused it. Once you have the medical proof, you can take legal recourse.
Navigating the Legal Path
Filing a lawsuit will allow you to seek both justice and legal compensation to cover the loss and suffering you’ve endured. Treating tooth loss and decay may require restorative dentistry to recover completely. Tru Law states that it is necessary to hold the drug manufacturer accountable for the harm. For that, you should consult an expert lawyer who can help you manage the legal procedures.
Other than providing correct legal guidance, a lawyer will also update you about the settlement payout. The amount might vary based on the extent of harm a plaintiff experiences. However, Reuters in October 2023 reported that Indivior agreed to shell out $102.5 million in June for setting several claims put forward by the U.S. states.
Other than getting compensated, filing a lawsuit helps raise public awareness. It brings about changes in the way medications are monitored and prescribed. It secures patient rights and ensures safer medical practices.
FAQs
What are the advantages of using buprenorphine for treating OUD?
When taken in the correct dose, buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and lessens cravings for drugs without making you drowsy or euphoric. This reduces the risks tied to opioid misuse. Hence, it offers individuals struggling with opioid addiction the scope of regaining stability in their lives.
Should you drive after taking Suboxone?
Suboxone may initially cause drowsiness. Hence, it’s important to avoid driving until you’ve adjusted to the medication, which typically takes a few days. Once you are on a stable dose, you should be able to drive safely without experiencing sedation. If you take time to adjust to the current dose, consult your doctor for further guidance.
When can you eat after taking buprenorphine?
Administer buprenorphine/naloxone by placing it under your tongue and allowing it to dissolve. This may take approximately 15 to 30 minutes. It’s crucial to allow it to dissolve completely under your tongue for it to be effective. If you swallow, it will be ineffective. After taking the medication, wait at least 30 minutes before you eat or drink anything.
Finally, making a judgment call on whether to Suboxone to treat your OUD is difficult. You have to weigh the pros and cons. Both the benefits and the side effects can’t be denied, and that’s what makes the decision tough. However, if you look at the rising number of lawsuits representing dental health issues, you might not want to opt for this medication.
Therefore, it’s always a wise decision to consult your doctor and arrive at a well-informed decision. If you notice the complications, you may ask for a dosage reduction. In case problems still exist, ask your doctor to help you taper off the medication gradually.
