Dentistry Today: Septocaine – A Dangerous Dental Drug?

InjuryBoard.com: Dangerous Dental Drug Septocaine

Septocaine, an anesthesia used in routine dental procedures, may be a dangerous drug permanent paresthesia (numbness) and dysethesia (persistent pain) in patients. These symptoms are mild in most patients and may fade with time. But in other patients the side effects are permanent and debilitating

These problems typically occur when Septocaine is used for mandibular blocks, which involve injecting the drug to block pain in the lower jaw during dental procedures like a root canal.

A Texas jury recently found Septodont, the manufacturer of Septocaine, liable for misrepresenting the safety and effectiveness of the drug awarding over $300,000 to the patient for pain, suffering and medical costs.

Flap will attempt to locate this case and the expert testimony. It is doubtful that the FDA would allow Septocaine to continue on the market if these were the findings of fact of a trial court.

But, the issue of Septocaine efficacy vs. safety will now be a public debate.

A reference website for victims of local anesthetic injury (the Bosscher Foundation) is here.

Septocaine’s company website is here.

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