Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Naloxone is added to Suboxone to prevent people from injecting it, as this can lead to an overdose.
In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert warning about the potential for Suboxone to cause dental problems, including tooth decay, dry mouth, and gum disease. The FDA also noted that Suboxone can increase the risk of oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth.
In 2019, the first Suboxone teeth lawsuit was filed. Since then, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against Indivior PLC, the manufacturer of Suboxone. The lawsuits allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn about the potential for Suboxone to cause dental problems.
In 2022, the FDA ordered Indivior to update the prescribing information for Suboxone to include a warning about the potential for dental problems. The FDA also recommended that healthcare providers counsel patients about the risks of dental problems associated with Suboxone use.
Key Allegations in the Lawsuits
- Indivior failed to adequately warn about the potential for Suboxone to cause dental problems.
- Indivior knew that Suboxone could cause dental problems but did not disclose this information to patients and healthcare providers.
- Indivior’s failure to warn about the dental problems caused by Suboxone has led to patients suffering from tooth decay, dry mouth, gum disease, and oral thrush.
Current Status of the Lawsuits
The Suboxone teeth lawsuits are currently ongoing. A number of cases have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The MDL is currently in the discovery phase.
Implications of the Lawsuits
The Suboxone teeth lawsuits highlight the importance of adequate warnings about the potential side effects of medications. The lawsuits also underscore the need for drug manufacturers to be held accountable for failing to warn about the risks of their products.
Recommendations for Suboxone Users
- Be aware of the potential for Suboxone to cause dental problems.
- Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
- See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Talk to your doctor about your risk of dental problems if you are taking Suboxone.
Conclusion
The Suboxone teeth lawsuits are a serious matter that could have significant implications for Indivior. The lawsuits are also a reminder of the importance of patient safety and the need for drug manufacturers to be held accountable for their actions.
