Suboxone is a medicine used to treat opioid addiction and can be helpful when used for rehabilitation. However, it comes with potential side effects. Older adults may be more susceptible to these side effects compared to younger individuals. 

Common complications include nausea, dizziness, and constipation. Additionally, older adults may experience more pronounced drowsiness and confusion. Despite such risks, Suboxone remains a viable treatment for many people wanting to overcome opiate addiction.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential risks of Suboxone use in this age group and empower you with information on your rights.

Understanding Suboxone and Its Side Effects

Suboxone is used to treat opioid dependency by combining buprenorphine and naloxone. By partly activating opioid receptors, buprenorphine lessens withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

NIH notes that when administered orally, buprenorphine has poor bioavailability due to extensive metabolism by the liver and intestine. The preferred route is sublingual, which ensures rapid absorption. When the tablet is placed under the tongue, it triggers a delayed onset and its full effect usually appears 3 to 4 hours later.

This partial activation aids in dependency management while avoiding the extreme euphoria caused by full opioid agonists. Constipation, nausea, headaches, and exhaustion are common adverse effects of Suboxone usage.

However, because of age-related changes in digestion and physiology, older persons may feel these impacts more strongly than others. For instance, the body’s ability to process medications can decline with age. This can lead to a buildup of Suboxone in the system, potentially amplifying side effects.

Increased Risks for Older Adults

Several factors elevate the risks associated with Suboxone use in older adults. The Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (CJASN) states that age-related decline in kidney function is a significant concern. People over 65 years old have a high diagnosis rate of chronic kidney disease. This is partially because CKD is defined by a single, absolute threshold. 

As people age normally, their glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of how effectively their kidneys filter blood, decreases. CKD is defined as an estimated GFR (eGFR) of less than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m² for a minimum of three months.

The kidneys play a crucial role in eliminating waste products from the body, including medications. As kidney function diminishes with age, the body may have difficulty clearing Suboxone from the system. 

This can lead to a buildup of the medication in the bloodstream, potentially leading to more severe side effects. Another factor to consider is the increased likelihood of polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, in older adults. 

As mentioned earlier, polypharmacy increases the risk of interactions with Suboxone. Certain medications can interact with Suboxone, altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse effects. For instance, some medications can intensify the sedative effects of Suboxone, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Legal Options in Case of Complications

If you’ve experienced serious side effects after using Suboxone, you may have a legal case based on product liability. Product liability deals with the defective or harmful product and how it was manufactured or distributed. TruLaw recommends consulting an attorney specializing in this area to assess your situation. 

A Business Insurance report shows a significant rise in product liability cases against companies over the past five years. Defendants have mostly won cases resolved on substantive grounds. In 2022, 5,826 cases were filed in federal district courts, an 89% increase from the lowest number in 2015.

A Suboxone lawsuit could arise from a manufacturer’s failure to adequately warn about potential side effects, particularly those causing severe dental problems. Additionally, if evidence exists that the design of the Suboxone film itself increases the risks, this could also be grounds for a claim.

These are just examples, and a lawyer can help determine if your specific experience qualifies for a product liability lawsuit.

Exercising Your Rights as a Patient

Knowing your rights as a patient is crucial during Suboxone treatment. You have a right to complete information regarding the medicine, including any possible adverse effects that may be unique to older individuals. Never be afraid to discuss your worries and ask questions to your doctor. A competent medical professional will be happy to resolve all your queries.

You might ask your doctor the following particular questions regarding Suboxone treatment:

• What are the potential side effects of Suboxone, and how might they be different for older adults?
• How will my existing medical conditions and medications be considered when determining if Suboxone is right for me?
• Are there any alternative treatment options available?
• What resources can help me manage the side effects of Suboxone?

Under the right to information, you have the right to get a second opinion if you are dissatisfied with the recommended treatment plan. An additional perspective from a trained healthcare expert might provide a new viewpoint and increase your confidence in your treatment options.

FAQs

Is buprenorphine safe for the elderly?

Buprenorphine can be safe for elderly patients, but caution is needed due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Its side effects, such as fatigue or vertigo, could affect older people more severely. It is crucial that healthcare personnel closely evaluate patients and modify therapy as required.

What organs does Suboxone affect?

Suboxone primarily affects the brain, where it helps manage opioid dependence by altering neurotransmitter activity. It also impacts the liver, as it is metabolized there, which can be a concern for individuals with liver conditions. Additionally, it may affect the gastrointestinal system, causing side effects like constipation.

What is the right to information in medicine?

The right to information in medicine ensures that patients receive all relevant details about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks. This allows people to make more informed decisions regarding their treatment. It also fosters openness and confidence between patients and healthcare professionals.

Suboxone is a valuable tool for opioid dependence treatment, but older adults may experience amplified side effects due to age-related physiological changes. This demands close monitoring and possible dosage modifications by healthcare practitioners.

Open communication regarding risks and rights empowers older adults to make informed decisions throughout treatment. Older adults can navigate Suboxone therapy with greater confidence and safety by understanding potential complications and legal options.