The Suboxone lawsuit has become a significant focus in the legal world, involving allegations against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, for failing to adequately warn users about severe dental injuries linked to the medication. If you’ve suffered tooth decay or other dental problems after using Suboxone, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free consultation.
What is Suboxone
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It’s widely known for its effectiveness, especially in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, recent lawsuits allege that the sublingual film form of Suboxone causes severe oral injuries, including tooth decay, cavities, and losing teeth. Plaintiffs claim that Indivior failed to adequately warn consumers about these risks, leaving countless individuals to suffer severe tooth decay while seeking treatment for pill addiction.
The acidic nature of Suboxone’s sublingual film is central to these allegations. This formulation has been found to erode tooth enamel and contribute to other dental problems. As a result, lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio to streamline the legal process for those affected.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone to treat pill addiction effectively. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, alleviating withdrawal effects without the intense high of full opioids. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, prevents misuse by blocking the effects of opioids if Suboxone is injected rather than dissolved under the tongue.
Approved by the FDA in 2002, Suboxone quickly became a cornerstone in addiction treatment programs. Its innovative approach to combining buprenorphine and naloxone reduced the potential for abuse while helping patients manage withdrawal effects effectively. However, the sublingual film form of Suboxone—designed to dissolve under the tongue—is particularly acidic.
While this delivery method ensures rapid absorption, it also increases the risk of severe oral injuries, including tooth decay and tooth loss. Patients using Suboxone film have reported dental damage, with studies confirming a higher prevalence of dental problems compared to other opioid addiction treatments.
Suboxone and Dental Injuries
Scientific research has shown that Suboxone’s acidic sublingual film can lead to weakened tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Oral injuries linked to Suboxone include cavities, oral infections, and severe tooth decay. Tooth loss has also been reported, with many individuals requiring extensive dental treatments such as extractions or implants.
Patients report dental problems arising shortly after beginning Suboxone treatment, often within months. These injuries not only cause physical pain but also lead to emotional and financial burdens due to costly dental procedures. Many individuals who turned to Suboxone for help with opioid addiction now face the daunting reality of extensive dental repairs, compounding the challenges of recovery.
Scientific Research on Suboxone Dental Injuries
Several studies have explored the relationship between Suboxone use and dental health. The findings indicate that patients using Suboxone sublingual films are at a significantly higher risk of dental injuries, including tooth decay and gum disease, than those on other opioid addiction treatments. The acidic nature of Suboxone film weakens tooth enamel, leading to progressive dental damage.
One study published in a leading dental journal highlighted that Suboxone users were more likely to report severe dental issues compared to patients on methadone or other treatments. Another study emphasized the role of the medication’s acidic pH in eroding enamel and creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth, further accelerating decay.
Research has also highlighted the lack of adequate warnings from Indivior regarding these risks, strengthening the claims of plaintiffs in the Suboxone lawsuits. The consolidation of these cases into an MDL reflects the widespread nature of the issue.
Eligibility to File a Suboxone Lawsuit
To qualify for a Suboxone lawsuit for Rueb Stoller Daniel, you must meet the following criteria:
- Use of Suboxone, Zubsolv, Belbuca, or Subutex sublingual tablets or film (excludes injections or patches).
- Use of the medication for six months or longer, with injury occurring before June 2022.
- Evidence of dental problems, such as tooth decay or tooth loss, requiring extractions or extensive dental care.
- A gap of only a few months between stopping Suboxone and the onset of dental injuries.
- No meth or heroin use, and the medication must have been prescribed (not purchased on the street).
- Cases in Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Jersey, or Virginia will not be accepted.
If your case meets these criteria, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone lawsuit. Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel to discuss your case and determine the next steps.
The Suboxone Tooth Decay Litigation Process
The Suboxone litigation process involves several stages, beginning with filing a lawsuit and proceeding through discovery, negotiations, and potentially a trial. Cases are currently part of the Suboxone tooth decay MDL.
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, our experienced Suboxone lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, including gathering evidence such as medical records and expert testimony. We will negotiate aggressively with the defendants to secure fair compensation and, if necessary, prepare your case for trial.
Steps to File a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
Filing a lawsuit involves several key steps:
- Contact an attorney: Speak with an experienced Suboxone lawyer to evaluate your case and determine your eligibility.
- Gather evidence: Collect medical records, dental reports, prescription records, and any other documentation supporting your claim.
- File the lawsuit: Your attorney will file your case in the appropriate court, which may be part of the Suboxone MDL in the Northern District of Ohio.
- Prepare for discovery: This stage involves exchanging evidence with the defendants and participating in depositions.
- Engage expert witnesses: Experts in dental health and pharmacology may testify to strengthen your case.
Our team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Suboxone Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Although no settlements have been reached in Suboxone lawsuits, legal experts estimate potential compensation amounts between $10,000 and $150,000 per claimant. The final settlement will depend on factors such as:
- The severity of your oral injuries.
- Associated medical and dental costs.
- Lost wages due to the inability to work.
- The overall impact on your quality of life.
It is important to note that settlement values may vary as the litigation progresses. Plaintiffs should remain informed and consult with their attorneys to understand potential outcomes.
How to File a Suboxone Lawsuit
Rueb Stoller Daniel is actively accepting new Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits. If you’ve suffered severe dental decay after using Suboxone, contact us to discuss your case. Our team will handle every aspect of the legal process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the defendant.
How Our Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawyers Can Help
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we have extensive experience handling mass tort litigation, including Suboxone lawsuits. Our attorneys will:
- Gather and review evidence to build a strong case.
- Handle all paperwork and communications with the court and defendants.
- Negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf.
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary.
Our track record of success in mass tort cases ensures you’ll have skilled advocates fighting for your rights.
Suboxone Lawsuit Updates
- January 17, 2025: In a newly filed Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, a plaintiff from Boston, Massachusetts, claims that long-term use of Suboxone led to severe dental damage, despite strictly following all prescribed instructions. With no previous dental problems, the plaintiff experienced rapid deterioration in oral health, including extensive tooth decay, root canals, crown replacements, and extractions. This case highlights a patient who adhered to the prescribed treatment, yet suffered preventable harm due to insufficient warnings.
- January 9, 2025: The next case management conference for the Suboxone MDL litigation (MDL 3092) is set for January 14, 2025.
- January 4, 2025: The Suboxone MDL docket has been relatively quiet over the past month, with the focus shifting from broader issues to more specific details. Lawyers are now concentrating on gathering crucial dental records for plaintiffs. This step is vital for building strong cases, as the most favorable Suboxone settlements are anticipated for victims who can clearly show a significant decline in dental health through records from before and after Suboxone use.
- December 5, 2024: The Suboxone tooth decay MDL saw a significant rise in filings, with 38 new cases in November, reflecting an 850% increase from the 4 cases filed in October. However, the filing rate remains much lower compared to earlier in the year. The current total stands at 716 cases.
- December 1, 2024: While some speculate that a settlement could occur earlier than anticipated, possibly before key legal milestones such as a Daubert ruling, a more probable timeline suggests mid-2025. This is linked to the ongoing debate about the three-year statute of limitations. Defense lawyers for Indivior, the maker of Suboxone, contend that this period ends in June 2025, which may shape the company’s approach to settlement.
- November 25, 2024: A unique aspect of a warnings case in the Suboxone litigation lies in how proper warnings might have allowed patients to mitigate harm while continuing to use the medication. For those who remained on Suboxone, accurate information could have enabled preventative measures to protect their dental health.Simple actions—like rinsing with water after taking the drug, using fluoride more frequently, or scheduling additional dental visits—could have reduced or prevented the oral health damage linked to Suboxone. However, without adequate warnings, patients were unaware of these risks and unable to take steps to safeguard their teeth, resulting in avoidable harm. This failure to inform patients forms a key component of the negligence claims against Suboxone’s manufacturers.
What sets this case apart is that it’s not just about whether patients would have opted out of using Suboxone entirely had they been properly warned, which is often the focus in failure-to-warn lawsuits. Many individuals, even with full knowledge of the risks, might have continued using the drug to manage their opioid dependency. In most tort cases, this would undermine a failure-to-warn claim.
Here, the argument shifts: the lack of sufficient warnings denied patients the chance to take proactive steps to reduce dental damage while staying on the medication. Indivior’s failure to provide timely and thorough warnings left patients vulnerable to harm that could have been minimized, even for those who chose to remain on Suboxone.
- November 20, 2024: A recently filed lawsuit by a Kentucky resident accuses the makers of Suboxone Film of negligence. The plaintiff, who used Suboxone to treat opioid dependency, alleges that extended use of the medication led to severe dental damage, necessitating costly repairs.The lawsuit targets Indivior, related entities, and Aquestive Therapeutics, claiming they knew about the drug’s acidic composition and its link to tooth decay, erosion, and other oral health issues but failed to take corrective action.The plaintiff also argues that the companies delayed introducing a safer injectable alternative, Sublocade, to preserve their dominance in the market for Suboxone Film, prioritizing profits over patient well-being. They are seeking compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, citing significant harm caused by the defendants’ negligence.
Given the tolling agreement in place, new Suboxone lawsuits are becoming rare. A key challenge in such cases often revolves around whether the statute of limitations has expired.
- November 14, 2024: Here’s the outline for the upcoming status conference:
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- Progress on the revised Case Management Order No. 3
- Updates regarding the Rubris Crosslink platform, a tool for managing case files, legal communication, and e-discovery processes
- Discussion on dismissing Indivior PLC and Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd. in a specific case
- Protocol for search terms and document production
- Current status of adverse event data production
- November 4, 2024: A recent Suboxone MDL ruling mandates that plaintiffs with cases filed by October 7, 2024, must provide thorough documentation to support their claims. This Case Management Order is expected to benefit plaintiffs with solid cases, helping them move closer to reaching a Suboxone settlement more quickly.
Experience with Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits
Rueb Stoller Daniel has a proven history of representing clients in complex mass tort litigations. Our expertise in Suboxone lawsuits allows us to navigate the legal process effectively and secure fair compensation for our clients. If you’ve suffered severe tooth decay due to Suboxone use, contact us at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free consultation.
The Suboxone lawsuit offers an opportunity for those harmed by this medication to seek justice and compensation. Don’t wait—reach out to our experienced attorneys today. By pursuing legal action, you’re not only seeking accountability but also helping to raise awareness of the risks associated with this widely used medication.
Take the First Step Toward Justice with Rueb Stoller Daniel
If you or a loved one has experienced severe dental injuries linked to Suboxone, taking action is crucial. At Rueb Stoller Daniel, our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Let us help you navigate the complexities of mass tort litigation and achieve justice. Contact us at 1-866-CALL-RSD today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding Indivior accountable for their actions.