Doctors prescribe Suboxone to help treat opioid addiction. While it provides important treatment to many patients, it has also been linked to severe dental injuries in some users. Users have experienced tooth decay, dry mouth, or other oral health issues after taking Suboxone.
If you or a loved one has suffered from severe tooth decay or other dental issues after taking Suboxone, you may be entitled to significant compensation through a lawsuit against the drug's manufacturer, Indivior.
While considering filing a Suboxone lawsuit, you’re probably wondering these two important questions:
- If I file a lawsuit, how much will I get from the Suboxone settlement?
- What are average Suboxone settlement amounts paid out per person?
IMPORTANT NEWS: Suboxone users who live in states with a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and dangerous drug cases may still be able to join the pending Suboxone multidistrict litigation (MDL).
One of the main legal arguments supporting Suboxone injury claims is based on the defendant's failure to warn Suboxone users that this medication could lead to severe dental problems. Since the manufacturers were required to place a warning on the drug's label in June 2022, the LLN team expects the statute of limitations likely began at that time. If so, potential plaintiffs in states with a two-year deadline for filing these claims would be barred from joining the MDL after June 2024.
However, both sides of this litigation discussed a tolling agreement that might extend the filing deadline and give plaintiffs facing short filing deadlines another chance to request the compensation they deserve after being injured by Suboxone. At the same time, Indivior filed a motion to dismiss all cases based on federal laws.
On December 31, 2024, Judge Calabrese issued a key decision in the Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL that kept the majority of the plaintiffs’ claims alive. While the judge dismissed post-approval design defect allegations, the order largely denied the defense’s motion to dismiss. The ruling allows “pre-approval design defect” and “post-label-change failure to warn” claims to proceed, noting that adverse event reporting continued even after the revised label was introduced.
Notably, the defendants did not contest the failure-to-warn claims spanning from Suboxone’s initial approval in 2010 until June 2022, when a new tooth decay warning was finally added. As a result, the core of the plaintiffs’ case remains intact and is moving forward.
For more information and to see if you still qualify to bring a lawsuit and receive a Suboxone settlement, reach out to the dangerous drug team at Lawsuit Legal News today.
The mass tort team behind Lawsuit Legal News has been following these cases since they started. Below, we’ll explain the basis of a Suboxone lawsuit, the factors that influence these settlements, and the importance of consulting with an experienced product liability lawyer to protect your legal rights.
Key Takeaways About Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlements
- Injured plaintiffs are filing Suboxone lawsuits against the drug manufacturer, Indivior, claiming sublingual Suboxone use has caused serious tooth decay, tooth loss, and other severe dental problems.
- Each Suboxone lawsuit payout per person will depend on the severity of the dental damage, the overall cost of dental treatments, and other losses, including the plaintiff’s emotional suffering.
- While each case is different, an average Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit settlement may range between $50,000 and $150,000, including both economic and non-economic damages.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, a medication that activates the body’s opioid receptors but only to a limited degree, unlike a full opioid agonist (such as morphine), which provides stronger effects. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid blocker.
Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense “high” seen with stronger opioids, while naloxone is included to discourage misuse (it can block or reverse opioid effects if the medication is injected). This combination is designed to help people transition away from more harmful opioids and reduce dependence.
Suboxone usually comes as a small film or tablet that dissolves in your mouth—either under your tongue (sublingually) or against the inside of your cheek (buccally). This method lets the medication enter your bloodstream directly, bypassing your digestive system.
The Dark Side of Suboxone: Severe Dental Injuries
While Suboxone has helped many individuals overcome opioid dependence, it has also been associated with serious side effects, particularly those affecting oral health. Some of the most common dental issues reported by Suboxone users include:
- Severe tooth decay: As mentioned above, Suboxone is administered sublingually, meaning the film or tablet is placed under the tongue, where it dissolves. Using this method can cause prolonged exposure of the teeth to the drug, increasing the risk of tooth decay. Many Suboxone users have suffered serious tooth decay after using physician-prescribed Suboxone film. They are reporting extensive cavities and other issues that require costly dental procedures such as root canals, crowns, and even extractions.
- Dry mouth: Suboxone can cause a decrease in saliva production, leading to a condition called xerostomia, or dry mouth. Saliva is crucial in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acid, remineralizing teeth, and washing away food particles. Without adequate saliva, the risk of serious dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, increases significantly.
- Other oral health problems: In addition to tooth decay and dry mouth, Suboxone users have reported a range of other dental issues, such as tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, and oral thrush. These conditions can cause significant pain and discomfort and may require extensive dental treatment to resolve.
These complications have led to numerous lawsuits against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone. The legal basis for the plaintiffs’ claims is that the company failed to adequately warn users about the potential risks associated with the drug. Now, these injured consumers are seeking compensation for their losses by filing Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.
What Factors May Influence the Value of Each Suboxone Lawsuit Payout Per Person?
In dangerous drug claims, several factors are considered when setting a value on settlement discussions. Here are some of the issues that can play a role in determining the settlement amount for your Suboxone lawsuit:
- The severity of your tooth decay: The extent of dental damage you have suffered is a significant factor. More severe Suboxone cases involve extensive decay, multiple tooth loss, and the need for complex and costly dental procedures. Generally, people who suffered severe dental injuries involving extensive restoration work receive higher compensation.
- The cost of your dental treatments: Economic damages are a key component of settlement amounts. In a Suboxone case, economic damages could include the actual costs of your dental procedures, lost income due to time off work for treatments, and any future anticipated expenses. These expenses are usually the most significant portion of Suboxone lawsuit settlements. Be sure to keep detailed records of all your dental bills, insurance claims, and any other documentation related to your treatment.
- The impact on your quality of life: Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, are also considered when calculating Suboxone lawsuit settlements. The more severe the impact of your dental issues on your daily life, the higher your potential compensation may be.
- The strength of your case: The evidence you can provide to support your claim, such as dental records, photographs of your teeth before and after Suboxone use, and expert witness testimony, can significantly influence your settlement amount. A knowledgeable dangerous drug product liability lawyer can help build a strong case and increase your chances of success.
Potential Average Suboxone Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
While settlement amounts can vary widely depending on individual case factors, we expect the average Suboxone lawsuit settlement will range from $50,000 to $150,000, including both economic and non-economic damages. However, some plaintiffs may settle their case for much more or could receive a jury verdict in excess of $1 million if their case is particularly strong and involves significant harm.
Of course, these figures are only averages and estimates. The only way to know the true potential settlement value of your Suboxone lawsuit is to speak with an experienced mass tort attorney. Trust the team at Lawsuit Legal News to listen to your story details and explain your legal rights. Our Suboxone lawyers can give you a good estimate of the value of your claim and more details about average Suboxone lawsuit settlement amounts.
Why You Should Work With a Dedicated Mass Tort Product Liability Lawyer
If you are considering filing a Suboxone lawsuit, your next step is to consult with an experienced product liability lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you:
- Evaluate the strength of your case
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate with the defendant's legal team and insurance company
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
When choosing a lawyer, look for a law firm with a proven track record of success handling Suboxone lawsuits and other pharmaceutical litigation. Lawsuit Legal News can help you find the best dangerous drug lawyer for your case. Our team is skilled at handling claims of dental injuries linked to Suboxone sublingual films and tablets.
The LLN Team is Your Trusted Partner in Suboxone Litigation
At Lawsuit Legal News, our skilled team of mass tort lawyers has extensive experience representing clients in dangerous drug lawsuits and securing significant settlements on their behalf. Our product liability attorneys are committed to fighting for the rights of those harmed by dangerous drugs and holding manufacturers accountable for their negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe tooth decay or other dental issues after taking Suboxone, contact LLN today for a free case evaluation. We'll help you understand your legal options and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact the Lawsuit Legal News Team Today to Learn More About a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
Suboxone lawsuits can provide much-needed relief for individuals who have suffered serious dental issues due to the drug's side effects. By understanding the factors that influence settlement amounts and working with an experienced product liability lawyer, you can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.
Don't hesitate to take action—the LLN team is ready to help you start your journey toward justice and medical health. If you have questions about a potential Suboxone lawsuit or settlement amounts, contact us for a free consultation. The talented lawyers who support LLN are handling Suboxone tooth decay cases nationwide. Contact us immediately at (833) 552-7274.