Suboxone is a medication prescribed for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). It combines buprenorphine and naloxone, which manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid dependency gradually. However, recently, this drug came under the legal scanner because of its side effects. Suboxone’s sublingual strips have been linked to severe dental issues.
As of August 2024, the number of Suboxone lawsuits for tooth decay equals 673 and is pending in multi-district litigation. Furthermore, the FDA in 2022 highlighted risks such as oral infections, tooth loss, decay, and cavities in patients after using Suboxone.
Therefore, to avoid the side effects, patients should gradually taper off this medicine. In this article, we will discuss how to do so.
How Does Suboxone Cause Dental Decay?
Medical studies such as ‘Association Between Sublingual Buprenorphine-Naloxone Exposure and Dental Disease,’ published by JAMA help us understand how Suboxone is detrimental to dental health.
Here are a few ways in which this medication can lead to dental issues:
Acidity-Related Tooth Decay
Suboxone’s acidity plays a crucial role in tooth decay. Substances with low pH levels, like coffee, orange juice, and soda, may erode tooth enamel. When dissolved in water, Suboxone has a pH of 3.4. The pH of acidic fruits such as pineapples and grapefruits is 3.00 to 4.00, while sodas like Red Bull, Sprite, and Mountain Dew have pH a 3.3.
Hence, when you take Suboxone sublingually, it might create an acidic environment in your mouth. As a result, this acid exposure weakens the enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Xerostomia or Dry Mouth,Caused by Suboxone
Saliva is necessary for maintaining oral health because it neutralizes acids and clears away food particles. This process helps to remineralize tooth enamel. Suboxone can significantly decrease saliva production, causing dry mouth, medically termed xerostomia. This condition increases the risk of tooth decay, as the protective effects of saliva are reduced.
In January 2024, AboutLawsuits.com reported on Christine Edwards, a resident of Maine who suffered after using Suboxone. This medicine was prescribed to her to treat opioid addiction, which she developed while being treated for chronic pain. However, her Suboxone lawsuit claimed that neither Edwards nor her doctor was aware of the dental health issues the medicine could cause.
Edwards experienced severe dental erosion and decay, leading to lasting damage. She had to undergo extensive dental procedures to remedy her condition.
Edwards’ lawsuit echoes the claims made by numerous patients who’ve faced a similar predicament. These cases are currently being litigated in federal courts, with plaintiffs claiming that the manufacturer chose profits over the health and safety of consumers.
Other Side-Effects of Suboxone
Suboxone’s safety label warns of probable side effects, which include pain, fatigue, and agitation. A few others mentioned in a 2024 Drugwatch report are:
- Blurred vision
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Headache
- Not being able to fall asleep
- Excessive sweating
- Mouth lesions
- Nausea
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Redness or numbness in the mouth
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Tongue pain
Hence, other than dental health problems, if you notice any of these side effects after using Suboxone, consult your doctor. It may be necessary to taper the dose and gradually come off the medication to steer clear of these conditions.
How to Safely Taper Off Suboxone?
TorHoerman Law states that oral infections and dental issues after using Suboxone can be emotionally taxing and financially burdensome. Patients who’ve suffered from gum injuries and tooth fractures undergo costly restorative dental surgeries to correct the issue.
Therefore, it is necessary to taper off the medicine to stay safe. But you need to follow a specific process so that it doesn’t affect your overall health and cause sudden withdrawal symptoms.
According to Narcotics.com, successfully tapering off Suboxone begins with transparent communication with a clinician. These discussions will help you collaboratively create a personalized plan to decrease your Suboxone dosage gradually. This approach can create a tapering schedule tailored to your needs instead of strictly following a one-size-fits-all method.
On day one, you can start with an immediate 25% decrease in your dose, which means using 12 mg of Suboxone per day. You can take up a 45-day tapering schedule and gradually reduce the dose from 12 mg/day, to 8 mg/day, and finally to 0.50 mg/day. Let your doctor guide you through the process and tell you when to come off the drug completely.
A few other factors to consider during this phase are:
- Listen to your body attentively and monitor how it responds to the reduction. Be mindful of withdrawal symptoms and ask your doctor for ways to cope with them.
- Make use of supportive care, such as therapy or counseling to manage anxiety that may arise during the tapering process.
- Consume nutritious food and stay hydrated to help your body cope with the changes.
Finally, be patient with the process, as it might take time to see visible results.
FAQs
For how many years can you use Suboxone?
People use Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and are advised to use it for an extended period. When managed by a healthcare provider, the medication can be used safely over the long term. It helps individuals to control their lives and reduce the chances of relapse.
What lawsuit has been filed against Suboxone?
The Suboxone lawsuits claim that Indivior Inc., the manufacturer of the medication, did not inform users about its side effects. Patients and the medical fraternity should have been warned about the drug’s highly acidic nature that eventually damages teeth.
Can suboxone reduce your heart rate?
People who use Suboxone, including benzodiazepines and/or alcohol, may have a higher risk of health complications compared to those who use the drug alone. It is because all three substances can reduce your heart rate and breathing and affect the body in similar ways.
While treating your OUD with Suboxone, you may suffer from dental injuries and experience other side effects, like slow heart rate and blurred vision. Therefore, it’s necessary to taper off the medication and eventually discontinue it. Consult a clinician to obtain a personalized tapering plan tailored to your needs and be patient with the process to see the best results.
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