Buprenorphine Side Effects Can Cause Tooth Decay, Other Dental Problems, FDA Warns

The opioid addiction treatment is given as a pill or tab that dissolves under the tongue or inside of the cheek.

Martha Garcia

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Federal drug regulators are warning about potential side effects of buprenorphine, indicating that the drug often prescribed to combat opioid addiction may cause tooth decay, infection, and other dental issues.

Medications containing buprenorphine designed to dissolve in the mouth can lead to dental problems, according to a drug safety communication issued by the FDA on January 12. Users with no history of dental issues have reported experiencing tooth decay, cavities, oral infections and loss of teeth, the agency warns.

Buprenorphine was first approved in 2002, as a tablet to be taken under the tongue to treat opioid addiction. In 2015, buprenorphine was approved as a film to be placed inside the cheek to treat pain. Other studies have linked buprenorphine as the best drug to treat neonatal abstinence, among infants born addicted to narcotic painkillers. However, the FDA indicates there have been more than 300 cases of tooth decay and dental problems reported among patients, most commonly involving tooth decay among users in their 40s, but dental problems have also been seen among those as young as 18 years old. Some dental problems from buprenorphine occurred as soon as two weeks after beginning treatment.

While the FDA indicates it believes the benefits of buprenorphine still outweigh the risks, the agency is requiring a new warning be added to the prescribing information and the patient Medication Guide for all buprenorphine-containing medicines dissolved in the mouth.

Medications affected by the warning include Zubsolv, manufactured by Orexo, and Suboclade manufactured by Indivior. They are tablets and films which dissolve under the tongue or placed against the inside of the cheek.

Suboxone Lawsuit

Were you or a loved one prescribed Suboxone?

Lawsuits are being pursued by users of Suboxone who experienced tooth loss, broken teeth or required dental extractions. Settlement benefits may be available.

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Suboxone Lawsuits Over Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss
Suboxone Lawsuits Over Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss

Suboxone Lawsuit

Were you or a loved one prescribed Suboxone?

Lawsuits are being pursued by users of Suboxone who experienced tooth loss, broken teeth or required dental extractions. Settlement benefits may be available.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

For patients taking buprenorphine drugs affected by the warning, the FDA recommends continuing to take the medication as prescribed and not stopping the medication until you speak to your doctor first. Suddenly stopping the treatment could lead to serious consequences, including withdrawal symptoms or opioid relapse, which can result in an overdose and death.

Patients using the medication to treat opioid use disorder can take extra steps to reduce the risk of dental problems, the FDA indicates.

The agency recommends patients take a large sip of water, swish it gently and swallow once the medication is completely dissolved in the mouth. They should then wait at least one hour before brushing their teeth to avoid damage and to give their mouth a chance to return to its natural state, the FDA warning indicates.

The FDA also recommends patients inform their doctor if they have a history of tooth problems, including cavities, when starting this medication. They should also schedule a visit with their dentist soon after starting to use this drug and inform their dentist they are taking buprenorphine. Patients taking the drug should also make sure to have regular dental checkups while taking buprenorphine and to notify their doctor and dentist immediately if they experience problems with their teeth and gums.

September 2023 Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Update

Following the FDA update, which has come far too late for many, a growing number of individuals are now pursuing Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits claiming that Indivior Inc. and its affiliated businesses failed to adequately research the Suboxone sublingual film dental problems before offering it to the market.

Medical research and hundreds of adverse events have now linked Suboxone films to an increased risk of users with no previous history of dental issues now experiencing tooth decay, cavities, oral infections, gum disease and loss of teeth, often requiring extensive dental care.

Lawsuits claim that the manufacturer placed its market position and profits above consumer safety, which has now caused users to experience dental problems that were not originally disclosed.

Who can file a Suboxone lawsuit over tooth decay side effects?

Lawyers across the nation are now investigating Suboxone lawsuits for individuals who used buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual films, and suffered any of the following complications:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Tooth loss
  • Broken teeth
  • Tooth extractions
  • Underwent oral surgery
  • Required dental implants
  • Other serious tooth issues
Tags: Buprenorphine, Dentist, Drug Abuse, Opioids, Suboxone, Tooth Decay

More Suboxone Lawsuit Stories

152 Comments

William
I started buprenorphine therapy not because of use disorder but because of chronic pain that needed management while I was out of a job and subsequently no insurance. I was never informed of any negative side effects of buprenorphine therapy other than “the usual side effects of opioid management”. This was of course, a lie. Nearly all of my once perfect teeth have cavities that the dentists won’t even work on due to the damage done by the buprenorphine. To make matters worse, I want to salvage what few teeth I have left and return to opioid analgesics but because of the new egregiously draconian laws surrounding buprenorphine use, no pain management will let me return to milder alternatives because they think you’re a drug seeker. This is not only a travesty for those of us who have legitimate pain but also a conspiracy on the part of the clinics and drug manufacturers to get you onto a drug that’s cheaper for them to distribute. All in the name of profit. If you have a class action lawsuit going, I volunteer as your star witness.
Kurtis
Same I started in 2012 and I had perfect teeth before never any problems. Now my teeth are destroyed. I’m still on the medication IDK what to do. I can’t afford to pay for implants or anything like this. What’s sad is there was never any warning or side effects saying causes tooth decay. It’s taken over my life. Just the pain alone I can’t do anything.
coressa
I was on methadone for years transferred to suboxone & its done more harm on my teeth than when i was using drugs. My teeth are falling apart & i feel so embarresed & i have always kept brushing my teeth but they seem to just be getting worse… Is this lawsuit in CANADA???..
Rebecca
I had ZERO dental problems before I started taking Suboxone. People complimented me on my teeth, and it became a source of pride. I took good care of my teeth even while I was using. By the time I was 25yrs old (3 years on Suboxone) I was having to get teeth removed. Now Im 33, and I’m getting full bottom dental implants. It’s no coincidence that I’ve lost only bottom teeth considering that they are more exposed to the Suboxone as it dissolves. I have a perpetual sore under my tongue from the medication! My dental problems have impacted my facial structure, my mental health, and overall quality of life more than I could’ve ever guessed.
Edward
Everyone I’ve been on Suboxone my teeth are breaking like sticks I have no sexdrive can’t remember hardly anything an I feel like crap all the time
Hollie
Same here been on subtext and Suboxone all my teeth are falling out or decaying very bad. Somebody needs to do something. There was no warning label there never is on anything or a side affect on your paper that went this far I only have one tooth to chew on now. It’s very sad and dentist are very expensive who can afford this when it does your teeth this bad. Thanks.
Karen
Started taking Suboxone in 2009 (orange octagons) when they were first released in Alabama for 2-3yrs its was an “all natural” with ZERO side effects. No withdrawals! 2012 after being dependent on the pills the strips came out after just my first year 2013-2014 my first front tooth fell out. Not cracked or nothing! Within months they all started falling out. Switched to Subzolv bc of the nodding all time and taste. Completely removed ALL adrenaline in my body along with sex drive!! In my 20s-30s not normal. I stopped suboxone and went back to the methadone clinic bc in order to get the white Subutext pills (originals) u either had to be pregnant or nursing or have Hepatitis. I been off suboxone for a 17months with no teeth left no sex drive and problems with focusing or memory problems! I have ZERO MEMORY of important dates!
Kristal
Looking to see if there is a suboxone class action for dental problems. I had all my dental repairs up to date and during the past 5 years on suboxone my teeth have gotten horrible. One broke off at the gum line, I just went to the dentist this week and they referred me to an oral suergon , the tooth next to that has a chunk that fell out & they are trying to do a root canal (if my insurance approves it) & I have other issues that they will work on after but those are the most 2 serious right now. I’m already having issues eating & I’m currently in the middle of switching to the once a month shot instead of sublingual & from the shot I plan to get off in a few months all together. If I knew my teeth would be disintegrating out of my mouth. I would’ve never of gotten on Suboxone.
Sara
I can relate to so many of you! These people need to pay for the harm they have caused us! This is soooo wrong!!!!!!
April
I had a full set of X-rays taken about 6 months apart (changed dentists and insurance) and started Suboxone (Belbuca) right around the first set of X-rays. I developed almost 20 cavities in 6 months being on this stuff. I never had a single cavity until age 39, and I’m only 45. I’ve always prided myself on having excellent teeth but in 6 months that all changed. I still have more work due. Likely 4 root canals still coming. Dentist said it’s not due to dental hygiene – my gums are great. Never heard of the meds being a cause until I googled it. Doc changed me back to my old meds as of today
Lisa
I have lost 11 teeth, had one root canal, need 3 more fillings and dentures. I have been on and off of suboxone for over 10 years. I have never heard that suboxone causes tooth issues. I did not want to go on methadone because of this and now I find out this information. Why was this never warned to me before?
Paula
My daughter has beens taking suboxone for years. Nobody told here it would rot her teeth . She now. Has to have teeth numbing otc meds for the pain. She cant eat or stand the oral pain much longer. I cant afford to help her pay for implants or dentires. What now??? Shes. Getting too embarrassed to even go in a store much less work.
Orville
Suboxone has decayed my teeth so bad the dentist wants to put crowns on many of them, I want to sue them.
Tina
Hello I’ve been on suboxne since 2009 I was always complemented on my smile and also had nice teeth then around 2012 my teeth started hurting and cracking I to stayed in the house I was very embarrassed to be seen and was always covering my mouth was never told about tooth decay now at 48 I had to get dentures and I’m very hurt upset got bad anxiety and dentures are difficult to wear please help all of us who where never warned by any doctors and the manufacturer. This had been the worst time of my life!
Jacob
Been on buprenorphine since 2010. I have paid the dentist so much money for root canals and crowns and posts and fillings!!! My dentist has been totally stumped about my mouth!! I’ve had test run because he thought I had deeper issues like immune problems…. I just found out this morning that this medicine (suboxone/ generic buprenorphine films… and pills) is very bad for teeth…. Hopefully somehow these Pharma company’s can help us cover the dental costs in the future! God knows they can afford it!!
Tony
I’ve been on suboxon for about 20yreas I’m theeth are very bad
Joseph
Ive been taking suboxone for like 14 yrs and never was told about the effect on my teeth. 3 months ago they finally warned us in group and i said i knew it,i knew my teeth were rapidly messing up. I never smile if i do i turn my head away from people and have to get antibiotics for infections. Ive tried to get help with dentures but have no money. Everyone knows how long you have to wait for a dentist appointment and when ive went i need a oral surgeon. I wait 6 months and the oral surgeon isnt there. Booked another appointment at a different place wait 6 months the oral surgeon had a baby and wont be in. 6 months later i missed it and went to the wrong office. So i need help cause my insurance is medicade and work at a grocery store with 5 kids to work for. If i knew the impact i wouldn’t have started these at all.
Amanda
I know one thing when first getting on suboxone they never warned me about this effecting my mouth or even how long I would be on these things.yes saved my life but still a slave to a drug I need cause if I don’t take it I’m sicker then he’ll just as bad as getting off opid…..
Corey
I have been using suboxone since 2008. Toothache here and there and I hate 2 root canals didn’t think anything of it. But when my teeth started to break and researched it and said suboxone was the main cause of tooth decay. Going to see a dentist but I know I can’t afford $20,000 of dental work neither. I’m lost. I want my smile instead of avoid or covering my mouth.
Amanda
I started taking Suboxone 5 years ago and only had a couple cavities my entire life prior. Now I have over $10,000 in dental work including extractions, root canals, crowns, and fillings due to decay starting at my gum line. I have never had a Dr warn me about any dental issues when prescribed Suboxone.
Luke
I get it for all the oral forms. Why is sublocade included? Should I still be worried about tooth decay cause the whole reason I switched to sublocade is because suboxone, any other film, and zubzolv all hurt my teeth the second I took them after a couple years taking 1 or the other. Idk why the don’t make a sweetener free version like with liquid methadone doesn’t take a genius to know that taking a drug that gives you dry mouth that’s full of sweetener and citric acid under the tongue up to multiple times a day would cause tooth decay. Untill the fda acknowledged it most doctor wouldn’t even mention tooth decay and if they did they say it wasn’t as bad as methadone🙄 I might be on sublocade now but the damage is done. For me and my body tried and true used for close to 50 years methadone worked just fine. Too bad insurance won’t cover it and most people that run clinics are crooks. Rant over.
Alyssa
I too was prescribed suboxone for years. Never once was I told this could affect my teeth and saying affect my teeth is a understatement I’ve had to have all but 6 teeth pulled because they would just become kinda soft and break off to the gum line I’ve been in pain for years because of my mouth it has affected my self confidence and my image issues.
John
Over the last 10 years I was prescribed suboxone my teeth have failed I’ve always took good care of my mouth
Ben
I too have been on Suboxone sublingual tablets and films since 2008 and I only had 2 fillings and one crown before starting the medication. After a couple years of use my teeth literally started crumbling about to the point they would break off to the gum. I had to have all my teeth removed and get implant dentures at the age of 38 which cost me over $10,000. I was never warned of this being a side effect I even used to read the booklet they had on the bottle for the Drs. I only now saw it as a warning from the pharmacy and saw the FDA made them start stating this as a side effect in Jan 2022. This needs to be a class action lawsuit I went to the Dr for annual cleanings and have the proof to show when my tooth health declined and it was the same timeframe as being prescribed this medication to be taken sublingually. They actually said to leave it under your tongue as long as possible. They should be held accountable. I now have to be embarrassed of my teeth everyday for the rest of my life. I feel everyone here’s pain
Jay
Have been on suboxone since 2007. Prior to starting suboxone I never even had cavities. In 2018 I had to spend over 30,000$ for dental implants because I was not a candidate for regular dentures. I was never told suboxone did this kind of damage! God only knows what it’s doing to our bones. I think suboxone makers should pay me back for all my dental treatment plus years of suffering!
Jeremie
Been Prescribed Suboxone as medicated assisted treatment program I’m losing my teeth and withdrawal symptoms keep me afraid of coming off of Suboxone I’m trying as we speak to wean but it’s been years now and I hate it does nothing for me
Karen
I had a famous smile and Buprenorphine affected every tooth in my mouth. They would break off to the gums one by one.
Crystal
I’ve been on suboxone long term and was not once told that my teeth were at risk of decay. I’m now 37 years old, and dang near need a full set of dentures because of Suboxone. I sure how they come out with a lawsuit were we who are suffering can get our teeth fixed.
Kyle
I have been on This medication for 8 years. I am 32 years old and need FULL set of dentures. Never smoked meth or crack. Was on perks for 2 years and my teeth where PERFECT. After getting on subs with in the first 2 years my teeth literally was starting to crumble. I was NEVER warned from doctors or pharmacy about the damage this medication will cause. Now I stuck at 32 with no teeth and can’t afford to get them fix. Now I hate leaving my house because I am soooo embarrassed it literally makes me cry. I hope a class action comes out of the thousands of people in the same situation as myself.
Gaby
My mother took belbuca for 10 months and now has had to have numerous teeth pulled and replaced by implants, in addition to gum infections, and oral including tongue infections. This has cost over $50,000 in damages to repair. She was not counseled to swish water or wait an hour after taking to brush teeth. By neither her physician nor the pharmacist. She was never informed there have been reports of tooth decay using this medication long term.
kylie
i took Suboxone back in 2012 and I am experiencing major dental problems. How do I join this lawsuit?
Lisa
I could not figure out why in the world I was losing my teeth! I had one cavity until I started having problems in my 40s. I had a beautiful smile, and I worked in professional positions, which I can no longer do. I work remotely now, because I’m so embarrassed! One by one, my teeth started falling out. I’m assuming they will fix our teeth, because right now, the insurance program that I have will fix my teeth, but.. there is no gas, only shots in my gums, so they can pull the stumps of my once beautiful teeth out, and give me dentures. Thanks a lot!!!
Jayme
I had a gorgeous smile and only ever had one cavity before going on Suboxone in 2012 with no warning about the risks to my smile… My teeth are now rotting out of my head and I’ve got terrible tooth decay that I cannot afford to deal with! I’m SOOOOOO embarrassed now that I can’t smile without feeling so self conscious about my teeth that I have to cover my mouth! I literally had near perfect teeth and now I’m missing 4 that literally just disintegrated n fell out and 2 more that are about halfway gone at this point. I’m so ashamed and in constant pain, I desperately need help and I have no idea where to turn!!!
Ramon
Been on subx since 2013 and I now have now teeth. My teeth became extremely brittle and started breaking away. Thought it was due to my age but now I know it was due to subx. How do we fight back or join law suit?
Summer
Me and my husband have both always had perfect teeth. We’ve been on suboxone for a couple years now and both have started loosing teeth for no reason at all! My first tooth broke while I was eating a hamburger!! I want to get off this medicine before I loose any more!!
Jolene
I am disgusted with this company, the doctors who pushed it as a miracle with little to no side effects when in fact it was the opposite. I’d love to know how many other people were told by dentists and doctors that it doesn’t affect the teeth(2002-2017). I have about 5.5 teeth left in my mouth and have been this way about 2 years. I began taking Suboxone to simply stop taking 3-4 loratabs a day to combat anxiety for about a year. I decided I wanted to stop around 2010 and looked for a doctor. I believed this would be a start of a better life. Well since taking suboxone my weight is a lunch higher #, I have no good teeth and very few that can actually do something, my children miss out on a lot and I am embarrassed to go anywhere. In the beginning, when my first few molars began crumbling, I was told it’s not related. There were ZERO articles linking the tooth decay(actually denying it). Same for weight. I am 37 and have been embarrassed for 4 years! It’s ruined my life and body. I can’t for the life of me understand why no one will take this case. To this day articles from the fda etc say “some”. From my experience it’s more like 3/4 have issues(so should say “most”). I couldn’t even imagine the # of people who would sign up. I missed the first class action bc in my opinion it was suppressed. I’m online often and didn’t see it once. I was spending $400 a month early on. I’d love to hear from others ❤️
Patricia
My daughter is hospitalized because of suboxone and her teeth are falling out my god shut down these clinics all they want is your 400.00 a month my daughter is fighting for her life due to this suboxone
Jody
All my teeth rotted out at a fairly young age from suboxone
Thomas
I’ve been on Suboxone since 2009 my teeth cause me great pain physically and mentally, it’s caused break ups depression social anxiety, I never touched crack or anything that would cause this problem, what do I do?
Nicole
I was on drugs for almost 10 years and never had any problems with my teeth until I started taking suboxen now all my teeth are rotting breaking apart and I can’t afford to fix them.the pain is unbearable sometimes. Suboxen saved my life, but if I would have known about the withdrawals and the tooth decay I would have never started taking them. I hardly go out anymore because I used to have a beautiful smile and now it’s disgusting.
Breanna
I’ve been on suboxone for over 6 years and my teeth are making me sick now because they are rotting away
Jerri
I have been taking Zubsolve for almost 3 years now and my teeth are just rotting away !
Jerri
I have been taking Zubsolve for almost 3 years now and my teeth are just rotting away !
Damon
I am a Suboxone patient that is experiencing dental decay I want to know if there is a class on my action lawsuit I can join
Whitney
Im 27 iv been on them sense 2014 and have had to have all my.teeth removed i now have total top and bottom dentures
AMY
I had four teeth pulled this year. Bi was on Suboxone ten years. Both kids born on it. I regret it so much. I’m finally free of this drug that literally destroyed my body.
Victoria
I’ve been taking Belbuca 450mcg 2x a day for over 4 years. I had some dental issues before, but after starting on Belbuca my teeth began to rot out of my head no matter how much $ I spent trying to save my teeth. I now have full dentures at only 41yo because all I had left were shattered and broken fragments of what used to be my teeth. It’s embarrassing and cost me over 12k in total…
Kristopher
Never in my life did i even have a cavity my smile was my pride. After 9 years of being on Suboxone my smile is something I intentionally hide from the world out of fear of being judged or made fun of. At bo point was I EVER warned that this medication would destroy not only my smile but my pride, self worth, mental health, marriage… the list goes on and on. The cherry on top of all this is dealing with tooth pain every time another tooth breaks in half
Stephanie
I began taking suboxone in 2007, I have never taken more than a 1/4 of a strip at a time, I have lost all the top molars on one side of my mouth, 2 on the other, all the teeth along my gum line are black, and the only 2 teeth I have left that fit together and can chew with, are completely hollowed out and I’m unable to chew anything hot, cold, or crunchy at all. I’m down to soft food only, and even that is almost impossible anymore. Before starting these, I had perfect teeth! I’m 38 yes old and it has ruined everything about my life! I don’t leave my house, I’m cautious when talking or smiling because I don’t want anyone to see my rotting teeth. It’s embarrassing and has caused a serious problem in my overall quality of life! Between these drug companies first failing to tell people how addictive opiates were, to then prescribing these as an alternative and failing to disclose the effects on your teeth…they have ruined so many lives!! It’s so unfair to so many people and they should be held accountable for valuing money over peoples lives!
Jessica
Over the past years I have got dents such ass cuppings I was on suboxen the whole time I have never seen anything like it . Plus my dentist said my enamel and gums are disappearing
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