Tooth decay caused by Suboxone: who is affected?
Have you been taking prescribed Suboxone for at least six months to combat opioid addiction or to manage pain? Do you suffer from severe tooth decay and infections?
Suboxone is a medication that brings hope and help to many people addicted to narcotics. Although the drug manufacturer, Individual (formerly known as Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals), lost in therecostumes about his business practicesSome 1.7 million people used Suboxone and similar medications as prescribed in 2019, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
The main ingredient in Suboxone and similar medications is buprenorphine, which partially activates opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and pain. (Suboxone is sometimes used to relieve pain unrelated to opioid addiction, but it is not recommended for this use.) It has been approved for use by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) since 2002 in the form of a dissolving tablet. under the tongue and since 2015 in the form of a film to be placed inside the cheek. In 2022, the FDA issued a warning that acid released into the mouth from the medication may cause:
- CariesIf left untreated, causes pain and infections that can lead to problems with eating, tasting, speaking, playing and learning.
- Tooth loss, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift, allowing bacteria to grow under the gum line. Gum problems can lead to bone and tissue loss, leading not only to eating problems but also to unattractive appearance changes due to facial shortening and protrusion of the upper lip and chin.
- Infectionswhich, if left untreated, can, over time, lead to life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis).
- Dry mouth, which is caused by a reduced amount of saliva needed to neutralize acids, limiting bacterial growth and removing food particles. Dry mouth can limit the ability to enjoy food, chew and swallow, causing indigestion. In some cases, dry mouth can interfere with the ability to speak clearly.
Although the drug is sometimes misused and addiction can cause oral and dental problems, even patients without a history of dental problems experience serious problems when using Suboxone.
Are you eligible?
If you have taken Suboxone for at least six months, you may be eligible to participate in this Suboxone for Tooth Decay Trial investigation.
Have you got:
- Have you been prescribed Suboxone (dissolvable film) for opioid addiction or pain management?
- Did you use prescription Suboxone for at least six months before you were injured?
- Do you have one or more of the following injuries: cavities, tooth loss, tooth fractures, tooth decay, oral surgeries, tongue or gum injuries?
- Did you have routine dental care before using Suboxone?
Please fill out the form on this page for more information.
Despite the problems caused by buprenorphine, the FDA recognizes that it is an important treatment option for opioid use disorder and that the benefits of these medications clearly outweigh the risks.
Suboxone Effectiveness and Warnings
Combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies, Suboxone is often part of effective treatment, meeting the needs of individuals while promoting recovery and preventing or reducing mood swings and opioid abuse, according to the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This combination treatment can help people live longer and better, allowing them to take control of their lives, keep their jobs, and achieve other important life goals.
In its warning about the dental harms of a main ingredient in Suboxone, the FDA required a new warning about the risks present in the drug’s box. The FDA also asked doctors prescribing this and similar medications to ask patients about their oral health and advise them to:
- Gently rinse your teeth and mouth once the medication has dissolved.
- Wait an hour before brushing your teeth.
- Visit a dentist regularly
The FDA has asked dentists treating patients taking buprenorphine products to:
- Perform a baseline assessment and risk assessment
- Create a prevention plan
- Encourage regular dental checkups
Potential risks
The side effect of tooth decay in patients taking prescription Suboxone is a risk that may not be obvious to those who are not specifically and individually warned of the danger and who do not receive appropriate instructions and supervision to alleviate the problem. Although the medication is considered effective and essentially safe, improper use, even under a doctor’s care, can result in permanent tooth, gum, and tongue problems which, if not properly treated, can cause death.
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