Rehab Centers in Alabama Could Win Legal Compensation for Opioid Addiction Medication
Alabama is joining 34 other states in a lawsuit against drugmakers involved in the illegal inflation of a drug called Suboxone, which is commonly used to treat opioid addiction. The makers of Suboxone released a more expensive alternative to the medication so generic versions of the drug would be pulled from the market. If the 35 states win the lawsuit, rehab centers in Alabama could receive millions in compensation, since Suboxone is commonly used to treat opioid addiction.
Are you struggling with opioid addiction and aren’t sure how to get help? Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to discuss your rehab options with one of our experienced addiction specialists. We’ll provide you with the resources you need to overcome addiction and achieve sobriety.
Why Suboxone Drugmakers Are Being Sued
The lawsuit, which was filed mid-September, includes Suboxone producer Indivior, its parent company Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, and MonoSol Rx. The lawsuit claims these companies illegally conspired to sell a more costly version of Suboxone in dissolvable oral strip form to keep Indivior’s rights to the drug active. The companies then marketed the new, costly version of Suboxone as a safer alternative to the original pill version, which was pulled from the market.
The states involved in the lawsuit say the drugmakers intentionally made this change to keep Suboxone prices high and to prevent generic manufacturers from entering the market. Pennsylvania State Attorney General Bruce R. Beemer says this move forced consumers to pay more for Suboxone, and limited treatment options for many who wanted to address their opioid addictions.
Suboxone generally retails for between $137 and $477 for a 30-day prescription, with annual sales topping out at over $1 billion. Suboxone is frequently used by healthcare clinics and rehab centers to help opioid addicts overcome addiction, and plays a vital role in reducing the risk for relapse.
The Benefits of Suboxone for Opioid Addiction Treatment
The opioid addiction epidemic affecting Alabama and the rest of the U.S. has led to thousands of overdose deaths nationwide. But increased access to treatments such as Suboxone can help lower opioid overdose death rates, and reduce state and federal spending on hospitalization and incarceration for addicts and drug offenders. Suboxone helps addicts recover from opioid addiction and achieve sobriety, which helps improve public safety for Alabama communities.
Suboxone is a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine, two medications used to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone mimics the effects of heroin and other opioids without providing pain relief or feelings of euphoria and well-being. Suboxone helps recovering addicts stop using other opioids, and minimizes drug cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Opioid addiction treatments such as Suboxone, naloxone, buprenorphine, and methadone are all considered medication-assisted treatments, and are available at most drug rehab centers. Individuals who struggle with opioid addiction can join programs at drug rehab centers that offer medication-assisted treatments, and improve their chances of achieving sobriety with a lowered risk for relapse. Patients can leave rehab feeling healthier, refreshed, and educated about addiction prevention.
If you are suffering from opioid addiction and live in Alabama, understand that you can get help at a drug rehab center. Call our helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about drug rehab centers in Alabama that can help you conquer opioid addiction. We’re dedicated to helping you become sober, healthier, and ready to take back your life.