Side Effects of Suboxone Strips [2024 Update]

Suboxone Strips Side Effects Overview

Suboxone sublingual strips are used to treat opioid dependence and addiction by combining buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that helps manage opioid cravings and withdrawal, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids if tampered with or abused. The strips are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve quickly and deliver medication directly into the bloodstream. 

The medication gained widespread appeal because it provides a consistent dose and is less prone to abuse compared to tablets or injections. However, users have recently filed numerous lawsuits against the manufacturer, alleging the medication causes severe side effects like dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which were not included in the Suboxone warning label until June 2022.

About Suboxone Strips Side Effects:

What Are Suboxone Strips?

Suboxone strips are a prescription medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence. The strips, which are designed for sublingual administration, contain buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain) to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) to prevent misuse by blocking opioid effects if tampered with.

The drug is designed for sublingual delivery, meaning the strips are placed under the tongue, where they dissolve and are absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a steady release of medication. Compared to buprenorphine tablets, Suboxone strips offer a lower risk of misuse and are part of a broader treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies.

What Does a Suboxone Strip Look Like?

Suboxone strips are small, thin, rectangular orange films about the size of a postage stamp. They have a flexible, slightly transparent texture and are individually packaged in tamper-evident pouches for discreet and convenient use in opioid addiction treatment. The packages have the Suboxone brand name, dosage information, and usage instructions printed on them.

How Do Suboxone Strips Work?

Suboxone strips are designed to be administered sublingually, meaning they are placed under the tongue. This delivery mechanism allows for direct absorption of the prescription medication into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes and provides a slow and steady release. 

Active Ingredients of Suboxone:

• Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing a strong “high.” It has a ceiling effect, which limits the drug’s effects after a specific dose, reducing the risk of misuse and respiratory depression.
• Naloxone: An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and prevents misuse, particularly intravenous abuse, by precipitating withdrawal if the medication is tampered with.

Buprenorphine stabilizes brain chemistry by occupying opioid receptors, reducing cravings, and minimizing withdrawal symptoms. Naloxone blocks the effects of other opioids, helping to prevent overdose and discourage misuse. Suboxone strips are designed to deliver a controlled dose of both active ingredients, aiding in the management of opioid dependence and supporting recovery.

How to Take Suboxone Strips

Prior to taking Suboxone, it is essential to receive instructions on how to place the film properly. You should speak directly with your healthcare provider about the medication and its recommended administration. You should also notify your dentist that you are taking the drug to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of any dental problems. 

Steps for taking Suboxone strips:

• Prepare to take the medication: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling the Suboxone strip to avoid contamination.
• Moisten your mouth: Drink water before taking the film to help moisten your mouth, ensuring the film dissolves more easily. Adequate hydration is key.
• Place the film under your tongue: Place the Suboxone strip under your tongue as far back as possible, ensuring it lies flat. If taking more than one strip, place them on opposite sides of your mouth.
• Allow the strip to dissolve: Allow the strip to dissolve completely under your tongue without chewing, swallowing, or moving it around, as this can reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
• Wait 15 to 20 minutes: Do not eat, drink, smoke, or talk for at least 15-20 minutes while the film dissolves to ensure full absorption. Try to minimize swallowing saliva while the strip is dissolving.
• Rinse and swallow: After the film has dissolved, gently swish water around your teeth and gums, then swallow. Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth.
• Avoid rinsing too soon: If needed, you can rinse your mouth after the strip has fully dissolved to manage any aftertaste, but avoid rinsing while the strip is still dissolving.

How Long Does It Take for Suboxone Strips to Dissolve?

It generally takes 5 to 10 minutes for the Suboxone film to dissolve completely under the tongue. During this time, it is imperative to ensure that the strip is placed flat under the tongue without folding or moving it. Allow the strip to dissolve naturally; do not chew or break it up, as this can reduce its effectiveness. Once the strip has fully dissolved, you can swallow normally, ensuring proper absorption of the medication into your bloodstream.

Common Suboxone Strips Side Effects

There are a number of common side effects reported with Suboxone use, including nausea, headaches, and constipation. It is critical to report the onset of any new symptoms or conditions to your healthcare provider while taking Suboxone. Some side effects may be severe or have long-term implications. 

Common Side Effects of Suboxone Strips:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Common in the initial stages of treatment; these symptoms may subside as the body adjusts to the medication.
  
• Headaches: They can range from mild to severe. Staying hydrated and managing stress can help reduce the risk of headaches while taking Suboxone.
  
• Constipation: Generally caused by buprenorphine, although it can be managed with hydration, fiber intake, and regular exercise.
  
• Drowsiness and Fatigue: Common when starting treatment. It is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking the drug.
  
• Dizziness and Lightheadedness: These symptoms may occur, especially when standing up quickly, often due to a drop in blood pressure.
  
• Insomnia: Suboxone may cause difficulty sleeping; establishing a regular sleep routine can help mitigate this side effect. 
• Sweating: Includes night sweats; staying cool and wearing breathable fabrics can manage this symptom.

Less Common Side Effects of Suboxone:

• Depression and Anxiety: Suboxone may affect your mental health. Any mood changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
  
• Back Pain and Generalized Pain: Some users report pain while taking the medication. Pain management strategies may be needed.
  
• Fever and Flu-like Symptoms: These include chills, body aches, and fatigue.
  
• Blurred Vision: Although changes to your vision are less common, you should consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience them.
  
• Decreased Libido: Suboxone use may lead to a possible decrease in sexual desire or function.
  
• Painful Tongue: In some cases, the drug may cause discomfort in the mouth area.
  
• Problems with Concentration: You may also experience difficulty focusing or concentrating.
  
• Numb Mouth: Suboxone may also result in temporary numbness in the mouth area.

Serious Side Effects of Suboxone:

• Respiratory Issues: Taking Suboxone may result in an increased risk of respiratory depression, especially with high doses or when combined with CNS depressants. This symptom requires immediate medical attention.
• Irregular Heartbeat: Any abnormal heart rate should be monitored, and immediate care may be required.

Side Effects of Suboxone Strips on Teeth

Suboxone use may also impact your oral health. Patients across the country have reported serious dental problems associated with the use of the drug, including tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, oral infections, tooth sensitivity, mouth sources, and more. 

Potential Dental Side Effects Associated with Suboxone Use:

• Tooth Decay: It may be linked to Suboxone’s interaction with saliva production and pH levels, leading to significant tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and fluoride treatments can help prevent this side effect.
• Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Symptoms include inflammation, bleeding, and receding gums. If untreated, it can progress to severe periodontal issues. Daily flossing, brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and using antimicrobial mouthwash can help mitigate the risk.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Reduced saliva production from Suboxone use increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. To manage this symptom, it is recommended that you stay hydrated, chew sugar-free gum, and use saliva substitutes or mouth moisturizers.
• Oral Infections: Reduced saliva flow promotes bacterial and fungal growth, increasing the risk of infections like thrush. To avoid this problem, it is vital to maintain good oral hygiene and consider using antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Suboxone may cause heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. To reduce the risk, you can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid foods and drinks with extreme temperatures.
• Mouth Sores: The medication’s ingredients or dissolving process may cause irritation or sores in the mouth. To help manage this symptom, you should avoid spicy or acidic foods.
• Change in Taste (Dysgeusia): Suboxone may cause an altered sense of taste, which can be unpleasant. This may improve over time, but if it persists, you should consult a healthcare provider.

Research Links Suboxone Strips to Tooth Decay

In January 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the potential for Suboxone to cause dental problems, including tooth decay, following over 300 patient reports of serious issues. Patients allege through currently filed lawsuits that Indivior (the manufacturer of Suboxone) should have known about the dental risks earlier and warned the public and doctors. 

Research Findings about Suboxone Strips:

• JAMA Research (December 2022): A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that sublingual Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) users had a significantly higher risk of adverse dental outcomes.
• FDA Adverse Event Reporting (2023): Another study published in Current Drug Safety showed that users of sublingual Suboxone had a much higher rate of dental disorders compared to those using the pill form.
• Early Research (2013): Research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston indicated that over 90% of Suboxone users had low or moderate salivary buffering, a condition linked to an increased risk of tooth decay. This suggests long-standing concerns about Suboxone’s impact on dental health.

Indivior, Inc. Adds Dental Adverse Events to Warning Label

Indivior, Inc. was prompted to add dental adverse events to the Suboxone warning label in January 2022, following numerous patient reports and FDA monitoring through the Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The update was driven by growing evidence linking Suboxone strips to significant oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and oral infections. 

Despite receiving approval in 2002, Indivior, Inc. did not add the potential for adverse dental events to the Suboxone warning label until 2022. The company and the FDA had received numerous reports linking the drug to significant oral health issues. The FDA assessed the data for consistent patterns of dental problems, leading to communication with Indivior, Inc. about updating the warning label. The manufacturer collaborated with the FDA to revise the labeling, ensuring healthcare providers and patients were informed about the potential dental risks and addressing regulatory and legal scrutiny.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay While Taking Suboxone Sublingual Films

If you are taking Suboxone sublingual films for the treatment of opioid use disorder, it is essential to discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with your healthcare provider. There are ways to help mitigate the risks associated with the use of the drug. 

Preventing Tooth Decay While Using Suboxone:

• Consult Your Doctor: Discuss the proper technique and dosage to minimize dental risks.
• Administer the Drug Correctly: To reduce acid exposure, place tablets or strips under the tongue, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  
• Rinse with Water: After the film dissolves, swish water around your mouth to remove residue and adjust your oral pH.
• Avoid Immediate Brushing: Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing to protect softened enamel.
• Brush Twice Daily: Use fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent decay.
• Floss Daily: Clean between teeth and along the gumline to prevent decay and gum disease.
• Use Fluoride Mouthwash: Strengthen enamel and remove any Suboxone residue with an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash.
• Drink Water Frequently: Maintain saliva flow to wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Stimulate saliva production to help protect teeth from decay.
• Reduce Sugar Intake: Limit sugary foods and beverages to prevent decay-causing bacteria growth.
• Avoid Acidic Foods and Drinks: Rinse your mouth after consuming acidic items to protect enamel.
• Professional Fluoride Treatments: Consider fluoride treatments during dental check-ups for added protection.
• Check-ups: Schedule check-ups every six months and inform your dentist about your Suboxone use.
• Professional Cleanings: Remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing may miss.
• Manage Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Keep your mouth moist with saliva substitutes or mouth moisturizers, and limit caffeine and alcohol to prevent dry mouth from worsening.

Suboxone users should always look for early signs of decay, such as white spots, increased sensitivity, or discomfort with certain foods. It is also essential to seek prompt dental care to address any signs of decay and prevent further complications immediately.

Have You Experienced Tooth Decay While Taking Suboxone Strips?

Have you experienced dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, while taking Suboxone? You may be eligible to take legal action. Suboxone lawsuits have been filed across the country against Indivior, Inc., the manufacturer of the drug. Legal documents allege that the company knew or should have known of the potential for severe dental problems and failed to warn consumers. Contact King Law to find out if you meet the eligibility requirements for filing a claim. 

Contact a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawyer

If you suffered dental issues after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible for compensation. At King Law, we have extensive experience handling tooth decay lawsuits and can help you get the recovery you deserve. We offer a free case review to help determine whether you meet the criteria necessary to file a claim. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. 

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