You've heard the buzz, maybe you're even worried – what's the deal with these Suboxone lawsuits? Essentially, people are claiming that the Suboxone sublingual film caused them serious dental problems, and they weren't properly warned. This article will tackle your big questions about the Suboxone lawsuit FAQs, breaking down the complicated stuff into plain English.
If you think Suboxone harmed your teeth, you're probably wondering what your options are. At Lawsuit Legal News, our network of lawyers is ready to help you figure that out. Call us at (866) 535-9515; we can connect you with a lawyer who can assess your situation.
Am I Eligible for a Suboxone Lawsuit? Key FAQs Explained
- Why are people suing? Suboxone films allegedly caused tooth decay, infections, and loss—without proper warning.
- Do I qualify? If you used the film version and developed serious dental issues, you may be eligible.
- What injuries are involved? Cavities, cracked teeth, extractions, gum disease, and enamel erosion.
- What’s an MDL? A legal process combining similar lawsuits—yours remains an individual case.
- Is it too late to file? Maybe not. Deadlines vary by state and may depend on when you discovered the injury.
What’s the Core Issue with the Suboxone Lawsuits?
The main focus is on the Suboxone sublingual film. The lawsuits allege that the maker, Indivior, didn't adequately let users and doctors know that the acidic nature of the film could lead to severe dental issues.
We're talking about problems like tooth decay, cavities, infections, and even loss of teeth. It wasn't until June 2022 that Indivior updated the warning label to include information about potential dental decay.
But wait, isn't Suboxone supposed to help people, though?
Yes, Suboxone plays a part in treating opioid addiction. The lawsuits aren't about its intended purpose. The problem is an alleged undisclosed side effect of the film version of the drug. Reports and studies suggest the film is highly acidic, which is the suspected culprit behind these dental problems.
Who's Actually Eligible to File a Suboxone Lawsuit?
How do I know if I have a case?
Generally, to be eligible to file a Suboxone lawsuit, lawyers look for the following:
- You used Suboxone sublingual films (the tablet form usually isn't the focus here).
- You suffered significant dental injuries after starting the Suboxone film. This could mean multiple cavities, needing tooth extractions, root canals, new or worsening gum disease, or serious tooth erosion.
- It helps if you had reasonably good dental health before using Suboxone. This can help show the damage wasn't just a pre-existing condition getting worse on its own.
- A really important factor: the statute of limitations for your state hasn't run out.
What if I had some dental issues before using Suboxone?
It's not an automatic "no." It makes things more complicated, for sure. A lawyer will examine whether Suboxone significantly worsened your dental health or caused new, distinct problems beyond what you were already experiencing.
For personalized advice regarding your pharmaceutical injury case, it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney.
Now, about that statute of limitations – am I too late?
This is where it gets tricky because these deadlines vary from state to state. Some states give you two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) your Suboxone-related dental injury, while others might offer three years or even longer.
There has also been talk of a tolling agreement. These deadlines may vary by state.
Due to the urgent nature of these deadlines, speak with an attorney immediately to determine if you still have time to file a claim. Do not delay, as missing the deadline will likely end your case.
Don't try to guess this one. The only way to get a clear picture for your specific circumstances is to speak with an attorney who is handling Suboxone cases.
What Kind of Dental Nightmares Are We Talking About Here?
What specific dental problems are linked to Suboxone film? It's quite a list, unfortunately.
- Severe tooth decay, often leading to numerous cavities.
- Teeth cracking or breaking.
- The need for tooth extractions.
- Root canals becoming necessary.
- Gum infections or gum disease (periodontitis).
- Dental abscesses (painful pockets of pus).
- Significant tooth erosion, which is the wearing away of the tooth surface by acid, dissolving the enamel and the dentine.
Why would the film cause all this dental mayhem?
As mentioned above, the leading theory points to the acidity of the Suboxone film. Because the film is designed to dissolve under the tongue or against the cheek, it stays in direct contact with your teeth and gums for a period.
The acidic nature of the film, over time, allegedly wears down tooth enamel – the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth – and creates an environment where dental problems can flourish. When enamel erodes, it exposes the more sensitive dentin layer underneath, leading to pain and further damage.
I Keep Hearing About an "MDL." What in the World is That?
When a large number of people from different parts of the country file similar lawsuits against the same defendant – in this situation, Indivior, concerning Suboxone dental issues – these cases are grouped together and managed in one federal court.
This process is called Multidistrict Litigation, or MDL. The Suboxone dental decay lawsuits have been consolidated into MDL No. 3092, which is taking place in the Northern District of Ohio. The main purpose of an MDL is to make the pre-trial phase, like gathering evidence (a process called "discovery"), more efficient for everyone involved.
How does an MDL affect my potential case?
Even though your case becomes part of the MDL for these pre-trial steps, it technically stays as your individual lawsuit. A team of lawyers, often called a Plaintiffs' Steering Committee, handles a lot of the general work on issues common to all the cases.
You might also hear the term "bellwether trials." These are essentially test cases. A few representative lawsuits from the MDL are selected and go to trial. The outcomes of these bellwether trials significantly influence how the remaining cases, including yours, might be resolved, often paving the way for settlement discussions.
Currently, as part of this process, ~500 plaintiffs have been identified for a record collection pool. We advise consulting an attorney for clarity on your specific situation.
Don't Just Live With It, Get Answers
If you're staring at a mountain of dental bills and suspect Suboxone film is the culprit, sitting back and hoping it resolves itself isn't a strategy.
Find out where you stand. Call Lawsuit Legal News at (866) 535-9515. Our network includes lawyers who are reviewing these Suboxone claims, and we will connect you with one who will discuss your specific situation and potential options.