Suboxone Side Effects

Contact a Suboxone Lawyer if Taking Suboxone Harmed You

Doctors widely use suboxone, a prescription drug produced by Indivior, to treat opioid addiction. But as more and more patients turn to the drug for help, concern over its potential side effects continues to grow.

Serious Suboxone side effects, such as tooth decay, have caught many patients off-guard, and they are exploring their legal options with a knowledgeable Suboxone lawyer.

If you or a loved one experienced severe side effects from Suboxone, you may seek compensation. At Lawsuit Legal News, we are dedicated to helping Suboxone users understand all of the unexpected ways this drug can affect their health.

Lawsuit Legal News can explain your rights and legal options if you believe Suboxone seriously harmed you.

Table of Content

Understanding Suboxone and Its Uses

Suboxone is a prescription drug that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It's primarily used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. As such, it has played a pivotal role in combating the opioid epidemic that has ravaged communities throughout the U.S.

Suboxone’s unique formula, which combines a partial opioid agonist with an opioid antagonist, helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while deterring opioid misuse.

By 2020, an estimated 3 million Americans had been prescribed buprenorphine-based medications like Suboxone to treat opioid addiction. However, the widespread use of Suboxone has not taken place without controversy.

While it has undoubtedly helped many patients, difficult and life-altering side effects can erode its benefits.

Common Side Effects of Suboxone

While Suboxone can effectively treat addiction, it's not without risks. Common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal issues
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain

• Neurological effects
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness

• Mood changes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability

• Physical symptoms
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue

• Sleep disturbances
  • Insomnia
  • Vivid dreams

These side effects, while uncomfortable, are generally considered manageable. However, more serious complications can occur, particularly with long-term use or misuse of Suboxone.

Serious Side Effects and Complications

Some patients may experience more severe side effects that require immediate medical attention:

1. Respiratory depression
   • Slow or shallow breathing
   • Risk of overdose, especially when combined with other depressants
2. Liver damage
   • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
   • Abdominal pain
   • Dark urine
3. Allergic reactions
   • Hives or rash
   • Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
   • Difficulty breathing
4. Adrenal insufficiency
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Loss of appetite
   • Fatigue and weakness
5. Dependence and withdrawal
   • Despite being used to treat addiction, Suboxone itself can lead to physical dependence.

Dental Complications: A Growing Concern

One of the most troubling side effects that has recently come to light is the potential for severe dental problems associated with Suboxone use, particularly in its sublingual (under-the-tongue) form.

These dental complications may be related to the Suboxone’s acidity, which can lead to dry mouth and demineralization of tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and damage.

Dental issues associated with Suboxone include:

Severe tooth decay and cavities

Suboxone’s high acidity can rapidly erode tooth enamel, leading to accelerated cavity formation and extensive decay. Patients often report multiple cavities developing in a short period after beginning Suboxone treatment.

Dry mouth

Suboxone can reduce saliva production significantly, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and tooth-protecting minerals are depleted. This dry mouth condition not only increases discomfort but also heightens the risk of various oral health issues.

Tooth fractures

The weakening of tooth structure due to Suboxone-induced erosion can make teeth more susceptible to fractures, even under normal biting forces. Patients may experience unexpected tooth breakage or chipping during routine activities.

Dental erosion

Prolonged exposure to the acidic Suboxone film can cause widespread tooth enamel erosion, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to decay. This erosion often occurs rapidly and can affect multiple teeth simultaneously.

Tooth loss

In severe cases, the combination of decay, erosion, and weakened tooth structure caused by Suboxone use can ultimately result in tooth loss. Patients may need extractions and costly prosthetic replacements much earlier than expected.

Oral infections

The altered oral environment caused by Suboxone, including changes in pH and saliva production, can create favorable conditions for harmful bacteria and fungi to thrive. This increases the risk of oral infections, including painful abscesses and fungal overgrowth.

Gum disease

Suboxone's impact on oral health extends to the gums, where reduced saliva flow and altered bacterial balance can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and progressive gum disease. Left untreated, this can contribute to tooth loosening and eventual loss.

How Suboxone Side Effects May Alter Patients' Lives

The dental side effects of Suboxone can have a profound impact on patients' lives, leading to:

• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Lowered self-esteem and social anxiety
• Significant financial burden due to extensive dental work
• Potential for systemic health issues related to poor oral health

Legal Implications and Suboxone Lawsuits

As awareness of these serious side effects grows, many patients are seeking legal recourse through Suboxone lawsuits.

These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers:

1. Failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of dental complications
2. Knew or should have known about these risks based on available data and studies
3. Prioritized profits over patient safety by not promptly updating warning labels

If you've experienced dental problems or other severe side effects after using Suboxone, you may file a lawsuit.

Key factors in determining eligibility include:

• Timing of Suboxone use (typically before June 2022, when updated warnings were mandated)
• Severity and documentation of dental complications
• Adherence to state-specific statutes of limitations

Seeking Help from a Qualified Suboxone Attorney

Navigating the complexities of a Suboxone lawsuit can be challenging. Work with experienced attorneys who understand the nuances of pharmaceutical litigation.

Lawsuit Legal News can connect you with knowledgeable legal professionals who can:

1. Evaluate your case and determine eligibility
2. Gather necessary medical records and evidence
3. File your lawsuit within the applicable deadlines
4. Negotiate with pharmaceutical companies on your behalf
5. Represent your case in court if necessary

Harmed by Suboxone Side Effects? Lawsuit Legal News Can Help You

Born out of a pressing need to address the nation’s opioid crisis, Suboxone continues to help individuals who became dependent on prescription opioid drugs.

Understanding Suboxone side effects has been a vital part of treatment for patients and their families. However, when drug manufacturers fail to warn about some of the devastating side effects their drugs may pose, patients can’t make informed decisions about their health. Consequently, those side effects may catch them off-guard.

If you experienced severe side effects from Suboxone, know that you're not alone, and legal options may be available to you.

Lawsuit Legal News is committed to helping individuals adversely affected by prescription drugs seek justice and compensation for their damages. Our team of experienced Suboxone lawyers would like to review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Don't let the burden of Suboxone side effects go unaddressed. Call Lawsuit Legal News today at (866) 535-9515 or fill out our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Suboxone attorneys.