Suboxone, a medication designed to treat opioid addiction, has become the center of a growing legal controversy. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of Suboxone as patients report unexpected and severe dental problems after using this drug.
While Suboxone has helped many individuals overcome opioid dependence, its potential side effects have raised serious concerns about patient safety and manufacturer responsibility.
If you or a loved one has used Suboxone and experienced tooth decay or other dental issues, you may be eligible for compensation through a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the complex legal process, and potentially seek compensation for your injuries.
Don't let dental problems derail your recovery journey—reach out to a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit lawyer today to explore your options and take the first step toward justice and healing.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication manufactured by Indivior used to treat opioid addiction. It contains two active ingredients:
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence.
- Naloxone: An opioid antagonist included to deter misuse of the medication.
Suboxone is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapy.
It's available in two forms:
- Sublingual tablets: Placed under the tongue to dissolve
- Sublingual films: Thin strips placed under the tongue or inside the cheek
The medication works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that are affected by opioids, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. This allows individuals to focus on recovery without the intense physical and psychological effects of opioid withdrawal.
While Suboxone has been effective for many in overcoming opioid addiction, recent concerns have emerged regarding its potential link to dental health issues, leading to legal actions against its manufacturers.
Why Are People Filing Suboxone Lawsuits?
Individuals prescribed Suboxone have reported a range of severe dental health issues, leading to legal action against the drug's manufacturers. The most common dental problems associated with Suboxone use include:
Severe Tooth Decay
This is a primary concern, with many users experiencing multiple cavities and significant tooth damage. The emotional toll of this rapid dental deterioration has been substantial for many patients.
Tooth Erosion
Suboxone may contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel, increasing susceptibility to decay and sensitivity. This can lead to various dental issues, including:
- Cavities
- Dental caries
- Need for dental crowns or crown replacement
- Tooth loss
Dry Mouth
Some Suboxone users report experiencing dry mouth, which reduces saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay by neutralizing acids and washing away harmful bacteria. Reduced saliva can significantly increase the risk of dental problems.
Gum Issues
Suboxone use has been linked to gum problems, including inflammation and periodontal disease, which can have serious implications for overall dental health.
Tooth Fractures
There have been numerous reports of fractured or cracked teeth allegedly caused by Suboxone film strips.
Infections
The dental problems associated with Suboxone use can increase the risk of oral infections. These infections can be painful, costly to treat, and potentially dangerous, especially for immunocompromised or elderly individuals.
The financial burden of treating these dental issues, combined with the physical and emotional distress they cause, has led many affected individuals to seek legal recourse. They claim Indivior knew or should have known that Suboxone could cause tooth decay, but the company failed to adequately warn users.
If you've experienced dental problems while using Suboxone, consulting an experienced defective drug attorney can help you understand your legal options and potentially seek compensation for your injuries.
Do I Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit?
To determine if you might qualify for a Suboxone lawsuit, consider the following criteria:
- Prescribed Use: You must have been prescribed Suboxone sublingual strips and used them for at least six months. It's important that your use was under medical supervision and as directed.
- DentalInjuries: After starting Suboxone, you must have experienced significant dental health problems. These may include:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Tooth fractures
- Substantial cavities
- Gum disease
- Gum Injuries
- Prior Dental Health: You should have a history of routine dental care before using Suboxone. This establishes a baseline for your dental health and helps demonstrate that your dental problems developed after starting the medication.
- Timing: Your dental issues should have developed or significantly worsened after you began using Suboxone.
- Documentation: Medical and dental records documenting your Suboxone use and subsequent dental problems are crucial for supporting your case.
If you meet these criteria, you may participate in a Suboxone lawsuit. However, every case is unique, and a legal professional will need to evaluate the specific circumstances of your situation.
Remember, experiencing side effects doesn't automatically qualify you for a lawsuit. It's important to consult an experienced attorney who can assess your case, explain your rights, and help you understand the best course of action based on your individual circumstances.
Evidence Linking Suboxone to Tooth Damage
A growing body of scientific research and clinical observations supports the association between Suboxone use and dental problems.
While further studies are needed to fully establish causation, several key findings suggest a significant link:
- Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: A 2016 study revealed that individuals taking Suboxone were more susceptible to tooth decay compared to non-users. This finding raised initial concerns about the medication's potential impact on oral health.
- Higher Incidence of Cavities and Erosion: Another study found that Suboxone users exhibited a higher rate of cavities and tooth erosion than the general population. This suggests that the medication may contribute to accelerated dental deterioration.
- Elevated Risk of Dental Issues: A 2022 study compared Suboxone users to individuals taking other medications for opioid use disorder. The results showed that Suboxone users faced a higher risk of dental problems, particularly if they had pre-existing dental issues before starting the medication. The study noted a substantial increase in the likelihood of adverse dental outcomes among Suboxone users.
These studies collectively point to a potential correlation between Suboxone use and various dental health problems. However, while this evidence is compelling, the scientific community continues to investigate the exact mechanisms by which Suboxone might affect dental health.
FDA Raises Concerns About Suboxone
In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication regarding the potential dental risks associated with buprenorphine-containing medications like Suboxone.
The agency reported that some patients experienced significant oral health issues, including severe tooth decay, cavities, dental infections, and tooth loss. Notably, these problems occurred even in individuals with no prior history of dental issues and those who maintained good oral hygiene practices.
The FDA's warning was based on an increasing body of medical research and adverse event reports linking dissolvable sublingual films to dental problems. In response to these findings, the FDA mandated that manufacturers update their product labeling to include warnings about these dental risks in the prescribing information.
Current Status of Suboxone Lawsuits
Plaintiffs filed the first Suboxone lawsuit in September 2023, a year after the FDA’s safety communication, paving the way for dozens of others.
By January 2024, there were enough cases with similar claims against Indivior that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated all federal Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits into a new Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). This MDL is now proceeding under Judge J. Philip Calabrese in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio in Cleveland.
As of August 1, 2024, there are 677 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits pending in this MDL. Given that hundreds of thousands of individuals use Suboxone for opioid use disorder treatment and may be experiencing dental issues, this number is expected to increase significantly.
The rise in these lawsuits can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased awareness of the potential link between Suboxone use and tooth decay
- Growing popularity of Suboxone as a treatment for opioid addiction
- Suboxone users discovering dental problems during routine check-ups
- The ongoing national opioid epidemic, now nearly a decade in progress
A key allegation in these lawsuits is that Indivior, the drug manufacturer, failed to adequately warn users about potential dental hygiene issues associated with Suboxone use. The company only added a warning label addressing these concerns in 2022, which plaintiffs argue came too late for many affected users.
As the litigation progresses, it will be crucial to monitor developments in the MDL and any potential settlements or verdicts. If you believe you may have a claim related to Suboxone use and dental problems, consult an experienced attorney to understand your legal options.
What Damages Are Available in a Suboxone Lawsuit?
If you've experienced dental problems related to Suboxone use, you may be eligible to seek compensation for various damages through a lawsuit. The potentially available damages include:
- Medical Expenses:
- Cost of dental treatments and procedures
- Future dental care needs
- Related medical expenses
- Lost Wages or Income:
- Income lost due to dental appointments or procedures
- Potential future lost earnings if dental issues affect your ability to work
- Pain and Suffering:
- Physical pain from dental problems
- Emotional distress caused by dental issues
- Loss of Quality of Life:
- Impacts on your ability to eat, speak, or smile confidently
- Effects on social interactions and relationships
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
- Travel costs for dental treatments
- Special dietary needs due to dental issues
- Punitive Damages:
- In some cases, if manufacturer misconduct is proven
The specific damages and amounts vary based on individual circumstances, including the severity of dental issues, impact on daily life, and strength of evidence linking the problems to Suboxone use. An experienced attorney can help evaluate your case and pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Suboxone Lawsuit FAQs
How long do I have to file a Suboxone lawsuit?
The time limit, or statute of limitations, for filing a Suboxone lawsuit varies by state. Generally, it ranges from one to six years from the date you discovered or should have reasonably discovered your dental injuries. Consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss the deadline in your state.
Can I join the Suboxone lawsuit if I'm still taking the medication?
Yes, you can potentially join the lawsuit even if you're currently using Suboxone. However, never stop or change your medication regimen without consulting your healthcare provider first. Your health and recovery should be the primary concern.
What if I can't afford a lawyer for my Suboxone case?
Many attorneys handling Suboxone lawsuits work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don't pay any upfront costs, and the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. Always discuss fee structures during your initial consultation.
How much compensation can I expect from a Suboxone lawsuit?
The potential compensation varies widely based on factors such as the severity of your dental injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. While it's impossible to guarantee a specific amount, an experienced attorney can help you understand what might be reasonable based on your individual circumstances.
Will filing a lawsuit affect my ability to get Suboxone in the future?
Filing a lawsuit should not directly affect your ability to be prescribed Suboxone. The lawsuit is against the manufacturer, not your healthcare provider. However, it's always best to discuss any concerns about your treatment with your doctor.
Discuss Your Case With a Trusted Lawyer
As the Suboxone litigation continues to unfold, it's crucial for those affected by dental problems potentially linked to this medication to understand their rights and options. If you or a loved one has experienced severe tooth decay, loss, or other dental issues while using Suboxone, you don't have to face this challenge alone.
An experienced lawyer can help you by:
- Evaluating your case to determine if you qualify for a lawsuit
- Gathering and organizing medical records and other evidence
- Navigating the complex legal process of mass tort litigation
- Negotiating with defendants on your behalf
- Representing your interests in court if necessary
Don't let dental problems derail your recovery or compromise your quality of life. Contact a qualified Suboxone lawsuit attorney today at 888-984-6195 or through the online form to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Case consultations are free, and you don’t pay any attorney fees unless you recover compensation.