It has been close to two decades since the country has been under the grip of various forms of synthetic opioids. To put things into perspective, the number of overdose deaths in the country, in 2022, reached a staggering 73,000.
Imagine the state of society that witnesses over 1,500 opioid-related deaths every week. It was in 2002 when a wonder drug, Suboxone, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid dependence. And, it indeed proved to be highly successful in reducing relapse tendencies in people trying to overcome opioid addiction.
Unfortunately, in recent years, the negative consequences have hindered its ascent. An increasing number of people have reported serious dental complications from prolonged use of Suboxone films. But, why weren’t the consumers warned up front? Were the big pharmaceutical honchos cashing in on the desperate needs of society?
This manipulation of human trust is unacceptable. Every treatment necessitates patients’ informed consent, where they know what they are getting into.
The Dental Side Effects of Suboxone
According to TorHoerman Law, Suboxone is generally consumed orally, either as a pill or a dissolvable film. The user can keep the film on the underside of the cheek, and the medicine takes effect in around 20-45 minutes.
It all seems so simple and efficient, right? It is. However, since the medication is in direct contact with the underskin of the mouth, in film form, its acidic properties harm the tooth enamel. The decay inevitably leads to cavities, infections, and even tooth loss. Sometimes, the damage is so bad that teeth extractions and dentures are required.
The mechanism behind this side effect is believed to be related to buprenorphine’s impact on saliva production. Suboxone directly induces xerostomia, a condition developed by a significant decrease in salivary flow. This reduced salivary output, disrupting the delicate equilibrium in the oral cavity.
For the affected, the long-term dental side effects extend beyond oral health. Chronic dental pain and tooth loss can cause serious mental trauma and diminished self-confidence.
Moreover, the financial burden of unexpected dental treatments can be overwhelming, particularly for individuals already struggling with the challenges of recovery.
The Alleged Failure of Informed Consent
Suboxone was marketed as a safe and effective medication, with the FDA approval strengthening the claims. However, it was when the affected started taking legal action against the manufacturers of the medication, did the actual issue came to the forefront. The revelation shed light on years of unexplained dental pain experienced by many patients.
Numerous lawsuits ensued that reflected a collective sense of outrage. Central to the Suboxone lawsuit is the claim that consumers were not informed about the significant side effects, either by the manufacturers or the retailers.
Informed consent ensures that patients can make autonomous decisions about their care. It is based on a clear understanding of the risks and benefits involved.
The legal claims suggest the companies may have been aware of these risks but prioritized profit over patient well-being. As a result, these companies now face mounting legal and financial consequences for their alleged negligence.
The Importance of Informed Consent
For people battling obsession, the journey is fraught with challenges—physical, mental, and social. In this vulnerable state, the trusting bond between the patient and healthcare provider becomes a vital lifeline.
Informed consent is the foundation of this relationship, guaranteeing that patients have the knowledge and power to make choices about their treatment.
In substance abuse treatment, trust and transparency are paramount. Patients must feel confident that their providers are being upfront about the risks and benefits of different treatment options, including medications like Suboxone. When this trust is eroded, the consequences can be devastating.
If patients feel that they have been misled or left in the dark about potential side effects, their faith in the treatment process can be shattered. They may become less likely to engage in their recovery, less willing to communicate with their providers, and more likely to abandon treatment altogether.
In the face of an opioid epidemic that claims countless lives each year, we cannot afford to undermine the trust that is so essential to effective treatment.
As medical treatments become increasingly complex, patients must be empowered with clear, comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of their options.
The failure to prioritize informed consent undermines patient autonomy, erodes trust in the healthcare system, and can have devastating human costs. Moving forward, we must commit to a culture of transparency in healthcare.
It must honor the trust patients place in their providers and ensure that every patient has the information they need to make informed decisions about their care.
Only by upholding this fundamental principle can we build a healthcare system that is worthy of the trust it demands.
Read more: https://infoinsightdaily.com/
