Suboxone is a drug manufactured by Indivior for treating opioid use disorder. This formulation has, over the years, proven to be one of the most effective ways to treat opioid addiction. However, it turns out that a drug intended for opioid treatment also leads to dental issues such as tooth decay.
According to a study by the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, dental decline was reported in oral buprenorphine users. Consequently, a growing number of individuals are pursuing lawsuits against Indivior, claiming they failed to adequately warn that Suboxone may cause long-term tooth decay and dental damage.
Read on to learn about how Suboxone causes tooth decay in addition to other dental health issues.
Suboxone and Tooth Decay Risk
Suboxone first hit the market in 2002, originally sold as a tablet. However, Indivior, the drug manufacturer, later developed the sublingual film formulation that involves dissolving in the mouths under the tongue. Whether tablet or sublingual film, this drug has proven, without a doubt, to be an effective measure for handling opioid disorder issues.
The primary ingredient in suboxone is a semisynthetic opiate, buprenorphine. This substance works by binding to the brain’s opioid receptors, thus diminishing the symptoms of withdrawal while decreasing cravings.
On the other hand, research shows that buprenorphine-naloxone requires an acidic environment to remain stable and be effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. To help achieve these acidic conditions, Suboxone contains several additives or inactive ingredients.
According to a study, the following are some of the acidic inactive ingredients Suboxone contains that can contribute to tooth decay:
- Citric Acid
- Sodium Citrate Dihydrate
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Lime flavor
In the absence of sufficient precautions and after prolonged use, this substance results in a reduction of saliva flow (dry mouth side effect) and demineralization of tooth enamel.
Dry Mouth Side Effects
According to the study, 90% of buprenorphine users had low saliva levels. Saliva aids in digestion and also helps to neutralize acids and clean the mouth. A lack of adequate saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and eventually lost teeth.
Tooth Enamel Demineralization
The highly acidic environment created by Suboxone in the mouth can erode tooth enamel. The tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of our teeth, and when it wears down, it exposes the teeth to various potential dental injuries and infections.
The affected users often require extensive dental treatments to cope with the damage caused by Suboxone use. This treatment ranges from crowns and fillings to more complex procedures like dental implants and root canals.
FDA Warnings about Problems Suboxone Causes
The FDA released a report on January 12, after a series of clinical studies and product liability lawsuits, asserting the potential of Suboxone to cause serious dental complications. Research shows that buprenorphine-naloxone displays low pH levels and, therefore, increases oral acidity. In the absence of sufficient precautions and after prolonged use, this substance results in a variety of serious dental complications, including:
- Dental fillings
- Dental caries
- Cracked teeth
- Crown replacements
- Root canals
- Tooth extractions
Drug Manufacturer’s Responsibility
Prior to this time, no dental decay warning for the drug had been added to Suboxone by the manufacturers for decades. This implies that some users were unaware that their dental problems were connected to taking Suboxone.
It was clear that the manufacturers intentionally designed these oral Suboxone films to be highly acidic. Additionally, they were well aware of the risks of tooth decay from acidic exposure. Yet, for decades, no dental decay warning for the drug was added. This indicates that the manufacturers were more interested in profits than the safety of patients.