Table Of Contents
What is Belbuca?
Belbuca (buprenorphine) belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics that are used to manage pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment with an opioid, when other pain treatments, such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medicines, do not work.
The drug works to reduce feelings of pain by interrupting the way nerves signal pain between the brain and the body. Belbuca is manufactured and marketed by BioDelivery Sciences International and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 26, 2015.
Belbuca Linked to Severe Dental Problems: FDA Warning
In January 2022, the FDA issued a warning [1.] about dental problems linked to the use of buprenorphine — the active ingredient contained in Belbuca — including dental caries (cavities), loss of teeth, and oral infections. FDA’s warning specifically targeted buprenorphine oral tablets and transmucosal films dissolved under the tongue or placed on the inside of the cheek.
As a result of these problems, the FDA is requiring that a new warning about the risk of dental problems be added to the prescribing information and the patient Medication Guide for all buprenorphine-containing medicines dissolved in the mouth.
Belbuca Side Effects
- Tooth decay
- Cracked teeth
- Cavities
- Oral infections
- Tooth loss
- Dental Caries (loss of enamel, dentine, and other tooth substances)
- Root canal
- Tooth extraction
- Crown replacement
Belbuca vs Suboxone
There are several differences between Suboxone and Belbuca: Suboxone is intended to treat opioid use disorder, and Belbuca is intended to treat pain. Suboxone contains naloxone to discourage misuse, and Belbuca does not. Belbuca contains significantly lower doses of buprenorphine than Suboxone.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay on Belbuca
The FDA recommends the following simple steps to help reduce the risk of tooth decay in people taking Belbuca:
- Swishing with water after allowing sublingual and buccal formulations of Belbuca to completely dissolve
- Brushing teeth 1 hour after using Belbuca
- Floss regularly
- Drink plenty of water
- Schedule routine dental checkups
Should I Tell My Dentist I’m Taking Belbuca?
The FDA recommends talking to your doctor before beginning treatment with Belbuca if you have a history of tooth problems, including cavities. Schedule a dentist visit immediately after starting Belbuca and inform your dentist that you are taking the drug.
Your dentist can customize a tooth decay prevention plan for you. Notify both your physician and your dentist right away if you notice any problems with your teeth or gums.
FAQs
Who Can File a Belbuca Tooth Decay Lawsuit?
Individuals who used Belbuca and suffered severe dental issues, such as tooth decay or loss, can file a lawsuit. They seek compensation for medical expenses, dental treatments, pain, and suffering.\
Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed Against Belbuca?
Lawsuits are filed against Belbuca due to severe tooth decay and other dental issues caused by the medication. Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturer failed to adequately warn users about these significant risks.
What Steps Should I Take if I Experience Tooth Decay From Belbuca?
If you experienced tooth decay from Belbuca, consult a lawyer specializing in pharmaceutical lawsuits, gather dental and medical records, and document your experience to support your legal compensation claim.
Get a Free Belbuca Tooth Decay Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Belbuca Tooth Decay Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new dental Belbuca Side Effects cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one experienced tooth decay after using Belbuca, or suffered from other dental Belbuca side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and our lawyers can help.