A recent court order is pushing the Suboxone MDL forward, requiring pharmacies and medical providers to produce patient records within 30 days of a request. This decision comes as attorneys work to assess claims from thousands of individuals who say they suffered severe tooth decay after using Suboxone film. The litigation, which has grown rapidly, is moving toward bellwether trials, but delays in obtaining crucial records have slowed the process substantially.
Read the full court order here.
The Suboxone MDL, currently overseen by U.S. District Judge Calabrese in Ohio with over 11,000 claims, argues that the opioid addiction treatment caused serious and irreversible dental damage side effects.
Judge Orders Quick Turnaround on Medical Records
A key issue in selecting bellwether cases has been the difficulty in obtaining medical and prescription records, which are obviously important for proving how the teeth have been affected by Suboxone. Many pharmacies and medical providers have placed roadblocks in the way, refusing to accept electronic signatures on authorization forms, despite federal laws permitting them. Others have demanded additional identification, creating unnecessary hurdles for plaintiffs.
To prevent further delays, Judge Calabrese issued a ruling stating that all medical providers and record custodians must comply with record requests within 30 days. The order makes it clear that:
- Plaintiffs’ ink or electronic signatures must be accepted for medical authorization.
- Providers cannot demand additional documents, such as copies of a plaintiff’s ID, before releasing records.
- Any refusal to cooperate could obstruct the MDL’s progress, and the court will not tolerate it.
“The Court finds that the timely and complete production of medical and other records documenting a Plaintiff’s care and treatment is necessary to the efficient conduct of these proceedings,” Judge Calabrese wrote in the order.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone Lawsuits
What’s Next for the Suboxone MDL?
The order was issued following a February 12 status conference, where both parties acknowledged that significant hurdles remain in selecting bellwether trial candidates. Bellwether trials are critical in mass litigation because they provide insight into how juries might react to key evidence and testimony.
Despite ongoing disagreements, the parties are scheduled to meet again on March 11 to discuss potential case selection. Additionally, the three-year anniversary of the FDA’s label change is approaching in June 2025, and legal experts anticipate another wave of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits being filed ahead of that deadline.
How Do I Join the Suboxone Lawsuit?
Why This Order Matters in the Suboxone MDL
This ruling ensures that plaintiffs have a fair opportunity to build their cases and prevents further obstruction from third-party medical providers. The faster production of medical records will help streamline the litigation process, allowing the court to move forward with selecting representative claims.
The Suboxone litigation is one of the largest pharmaceutical product liability cases in recent years. With thousands of individuals seeking justice for alleged harm caused by opioid addiction treatment, the outcome of these bellwether trials could shape the future of the litigation and potential Suboxone settlements.
Do You Have a Suboxone Claim?
If you or a loved one suffered severe tooth decay after using Suboxone, you may still be eligible to file a lawsuit. Our legal team can review your case and determine if you qualify for compensation. Contact us today to explore your legal options and stay informed on the latest updates in the Suboxone MDL.