Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Legally Reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by Lawsuit Legal News' writers and attorneys and is accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from attorney. However, this article was edited by Stanley Gipe, a mass torts lawyer with over twenty years of experience representing individuals seriously injured by negligence exhibited by corporations. Stanley is a member of the Plaintiff's Steering Committee for the Suboxone Lawsuit (MDL No. 3092 — IN RE: SUBOXONE (BUPRENORPHINE/NALOXONE) FILM MARKETING, SALES PRACTICES, AND PRODUCTS LIABILITY LITIGATION).

Fact-Checked

Lawsuit Legal News does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Suboxone, a medication for dealing with opioid addiction, can be a lifesaver. It helps by stopping cravings and making it impossible to get high on other dangerous drugs while you are taking it. But lately, there has been a worrying discovery—a link between Suboxone sublingual strips and serious dental issues such as the risk of severe tooth decay. Keep in mind it is only the oral film version form of Suboxone that causes tooth decay.

If you or someone you care about has had dental issues such as tooth loss or gum injuries while on Suboxone, we might be able to assist with obtaining compensation.

The Suboxone lawsuit lawyers at Dolman Law Group are here to help you determine your rights and what steps you can take to cover your medical bills and rebuild your life. Contact us online or call us at 866-535-9515.

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A Recent Increase in Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

Suboxone Box on Shelf - Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit - Lawsuit Legal News

Lately, there's been a big jump in the number of lawsuits over Suboxone causing tooth decay.

As of November 2023, more than 100 Suboxone lawsuits had been filed against the manufacturer of Suboxone films, Indivior, with 14 new ones added just this month. With hundreds of thousands of people using Suboxone for the treatment of opioid use and dealing with dental issues, we expect that number to rise.

The increase in these lawsuits is likely because more people are discovering the link between Suboxone and tooth decay. The drug is becoming more popular for opioid addiction treatment, and Suboxone users are starting to notice dental problems during their check-ups. Keep in mind we are nearly a decade into the national opioid epidemic.

The growing Suboxone lawsuits allege the drug manufacturer Indivior, Inc. failed to warn users of potential dental hygiene issues before adding a warning label in 2022. As these lawsuits keep piling up, Indivior will likely be held responsible for failing to warn consumers about the dental risks of severe tooth decay and other oral health issues. 

We believe Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, which later became Indivior (the makers of Suboxone), was well aware of the potential risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and loss of teeth.

Suboxone Lawsuit Updates – April 2024

As Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits continue to evolve, the team at Lawsuit Legal News will provide regular and timely updates to keep you informed. Our goal is to provide the most accurate and timely Suboxone lawsuit update of all sites on the internet. If you have suffered severe tooth decay and tooth loss after being prescribed Suboxone for opioid dependence, we want this page to be your resource for new information concerning this lawsuit. 

We believe this MDL will take off over the next few months as June marks the expiration of the statute of limitations (SOL) in States with two-year deadlines. The warning label for Suboxone sublingual strips was changed in June of 2022, so any failure to warn cases in states with two-year statutes must be filed by June 2024.

This should be a fast-moving mass tort, and the science linking sublingual buprenorphine drugs to tooth loss and adverse dental outcomes appears strong. This page shall serve as a resource as we continue to advance this lawsuit to the inevitable Suboxone settlement.  Here are the latest updates on the Suboxone Lawsuit. We will also report on new dental injuries alleged in these cases as time goes on.

April 26, 2024 - Indivior Trying to Slow MDL With Focus on General Liability

Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, has asked the MDL judge to focus only on the general issue of whether the drug can be linked to dental concerns before the court considers whether any specific plaintiff can establish a link between their Suboxone use and their unique dental problems. The LLN team believes this is an attempt to delay the litigation and wear down the plaintiffs over time, so they eventually give up and accept a lower settlement to resolve their claims.

Indivior relies on prior Multidistrict Litigation situations where the court required initial proof that the drug in question could harm a user. The big difference between those MDLs and the Suboxone lawsuits is that Indivior has already placed a warning about tooth decay on Suboxone without a fight.

Adding a warning about tooth decay to the Suboxone label supports general causation in these cases, and shows Suboxone's link to dental injuries. The warning should be considered an acknowledgment by Indivior and the FDA that there's a scientific link between Suboxone use and dental problems.

Adding a warning to a label clearly implies that there have been enough user reports or scientific findings about these problems to warn users about dental injuries. So, there's no reason to waste time arguing about general causation and ignoring each plaintiff's specific causation except to drag out the litigation and further harm the injured claimants. Instead, the court should consider both causation issues at the same time to keep the MDL moving toward trial or settlement.

April 21, 2024 - Judge Calabrese Contemplates Motion Schedule and Case Logistics in Suboxone Lawsuit MDL

The second status conference on the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit occurred in the Northern District of Ohio. Here are a few highlights from the latest hearing:

  • Judge Calabrese set a filing deadline for a joint submission dealing with general causation by April 23rd. Any further submissions are due by May 24th, and responses to those submissions are due by May 31st. A hearing is scheduled for June 6, to resolve the general causation issues.
  • The next status conference is scheduled for May 14th. 
  • The parties are to submit a joint briefing schedule by May 7th.
  • On May 14th, the court will discuss a potential tolling agreement for Suboxone lawsuits, which would pause the statute of limitations for specific states.

We believe proving general causation will not be a difficult hurdle for the plaintiffs in this Suboxone MDL. 

Multiple studies illustrate a causal relationship between using the ingredients in Suboxone (sublingual buprenorphine) and a wide array of dental injuries and worsening dental health. Further, the FDA required Indivior to change its warning label for Suboxone film in June of 2022 due to the amount of adverse reports filed by users. 

Specific causation will be a much greater obstacle as plaintiffs must establish that individual exposure for each Suboxone user is causally related to their injuries. Suboxone lawyers will likely establish this in the specific cases that are chosen as potential bellwether trials.

April 5, 2024 - 86 Suboxone Lawsuits Have Been Filed Into MDL

As we mentioned below, a number of States have two-year statutes of limitations (SOL) that will expire in less than two months. The FDA forced Indivior to change its warning label in June of 2022, so we are beginning to see a rush by plaintiff law firms to file their Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits for clients residing in a State with a two-year SOL. 

We have tightened our criteria at Lawsuit Legal News to ensure only strong Suboxone cases are filed into the MDL. In fact, we are only signing claims wherein the individual has lost three or more teeth following exposure to Suboxone sublingual strips.

April 1, 2024 - 44 Lawsuits Pending After Only 6 Weeks of Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

This MDL was only created in February. In the first six weeks, 44 plaintiffs have filed cases alleging Suboxone caused severe dental problems. According to an agreed-upon court order, new lawsuits may now be filed directly into the MDL in the Northern District of Ohio rather than being transferred from federal courts of different states.

New complaints must include certain information, including the location where the case would have been filed if there was no MDL. The defendants also agreed to waive formal service requirements, which will move these cases along more quickly.

March 30, 2024 - We Have Changed our Case Qualification Criteria for the Suboxone Lawsuit 

The Lawsuit Legal News team made an internal decision to require three or more extractions (equivalent to losing three teeth, either from a procedure or from them falling out) as a result of using sublingual Suboxone strips. Our goal is in line with the overarching goal of only filing strong cases into the MDL. 

In other words, Suboxone lawyers would be wise not to file less serious dental injuries such as gingivitis, gum disease, dental erosion, and tooth decay. We are in no way demeaning these dental problems. Our focus will be to file Suboxone lawsuits only on behalf of clients who suffered severe dental injuries.

If you are seeking to file a Suboxone lawsuit, our attorneys can walk you through the specific statute of limitations in your State.

man showing his missing teeth from using Suboxone film strips

March 22, 2024 - Judge Calabrese Issues Case Management Order #3 in the Suboxone Tooth Decay MDL

CMO #3 allows for cases to be directly filed into the Suboxone MDL.  The purpose of direct filing is to avoid unnecessary delays associated with transferring each case and for judicial efficiency.  Plaintiffs alleging dental injuries as a result of using sublingual Suboxone may file their lawsuit in the Northern District of Ohio as a member case.  

We believe cases will inevitably be narrowed to complete tooth loss.  In fact, the vast majority of our existing client base has at least one tooth extraction or tooth loss that came out on its own after prolonged exposure to Suboxone sublingual strips.  The plaintiffs' steering committee is wary of filing lawsuits into the MDL with minimal injuries.  Indivior’s defense counsel can target a weak case as a potential bellwether case that would not benefit most plaintiffs. 

As we mention below, the statute of limitations will expire this June in states with a two-year deadline on product liability claims.  As of April 1, 2024, we will no longer be accepting claims from individuals residing in states with a two-year statute of limitations.  Keep in mind that Indivior changed the warning label on sublingual Suboxone back in June of 2022.  As a result, we expect a flurry of Suboxone lawsuits to be filed in the MDL over the next sixty days. 

Additionally, we expect advertising for Suboxone tooth decay claims will take off following the largest mass tort conference in the country taking place in Las Vegas in the first week of April.  Mass Torts Made Perfect is attended by both lawyers and vendors.  Many of these vendors will be pushing Suboxone tooth decay advertising campaigns as this is considered a safe project in regards to the strong science and the market cap of  Reckitt Benckiser (parent company of Indivior). 

March 10, 2024 - Leadership Appointed in Suboxone MDL During First Status Conference

The initial status conference in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit was held this Thursday (03/07/2024) before the honorable Judge Philip Calabrese in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Both Matthew Dolman and Stanley Gipe were present at the status conference. In fact, Stanley Gipe of Dolman Law Group was named one of the eighteen members of the Plaintiff's Steering Committee appointed by Judge Calabrese.

We anticipate a flood of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits will be filed by June 1, 2024. The FDA changed the warning label for Suboxone sublingual film in late June of 2022. The new Suboxone warning label in 2022 referenced individuals using sublingual medications containing buprenorphine who have reported a myriad of serious dental injuries, including severe dental decay, oral infections, tooth loss, cavities, and other dental injuries. 

A number of states have a 2-year statute of limitations on product liability/failure to warn claims. Many law firms are no longer taking on Suboxone tooth decay clients who reside in such states. However, we believe the MDL will expand rapidly with the sudden influx of lawsuits over the next eighty days. We will continue to update the public on the rapidly evolving Suboxone litigation.

As of June 2024, 305 cases of dental problems were reported to the FDA from individuals who used sublingual buprenorphine. A number of these individuals suffered tooth decay within an average time of two years following long-term exposure to sublingual Suboxone film.

March 1, 2024 - Two New Suboxone Lawsuits Join the MDL

A Kentucky man filed a Suboxone lawsuit after suffering extensive dental problems related to using Suboxone since 2011. In his lawsuit, the man claims he was never warned about the potential harm he might experience until the end of 2023. Now, after extensive dental procedures, physical pain, and emotional suffering, he is facing permanent dental damage related to his use of Suboxone.

Also, a man from Ohio filed a lawsuit alleging his doctor prescribed Suboxone and, despite taking the medication as prescribed, the plaintiff suffered extensive tooth damage. He also claims there was no warning about potential dental issues or the serious risk of decay and erosion that he experienced. He is seeking compensation for permanent dental damage and the medical expenses related to multiple procedures to treat the harm caused by Suboxone.

One of the most important factors in these Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits may be whether the prescribing doctors had information about the potential risks associated with the sublingual version of buprenorphine. If your doctor can testify they did not know about possible Suboxone risks, you will have a stronger case.

February 21, 2024 - Has the Statute of Limitations Run in the Suboxone Lawsuit?

Many prospective clients have inquired about how the statute of limitations in their state will affect their right to bring a Suboxone Lawsuit. The information is confusing and conflicting for people considering these cases. Many states have a two-year statute of limitations on product liability lawsuits based on a "failure to warn" theory.

Since Indivior, the maker of Suboxone, was forced to add tooth decay to its warning label in January 2022, the statute of limitations ran out in January 2024 for states with 2-year filing limits.

However, we are still taking Suboxone tooth decay claims in states that have a statute of limitations of three, four, and five years.

States that we are still accepting and potentially filing Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits include:

  • Florida
  • Arkansas
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wyoming
  • Wisconsin

If you experienced serious dental issues (tooth loss, tooth fractures, tooth extractions, severe tooth decay, oral infections, or tooth erosion) while using Suboxone sublingual films and you reside in one of the above states, call us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for the extensive dental treatments required to restore your oral health, and we can help you file a Suboxone lawsuit to preserve your rights and seek damages.

February 17, 2024 - Judge Calabrese Sets Hearing for March 7, 2024, Regarding Leadership in Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

The initial status conference in the Suboxone tooth decay MDL has been set by Judge Calabrese for March 7, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. This hearing aims to determine legal leadership for both plaintiffs and defendants. Then Judge Calabrese will likely establish a discovery calendar to streamline this lawsuit. 

Attorneys who are interested in a leadership position are required to attend in person. Further, applications for leadership must be submitted to the Court by March 1, 2024. 

Our Suboxone lawyers believe this will be a fast-moving mass tort due to the strength of the science establishing a link between sublingual buprenorphine and tooth decay along with a wide array of other dental injuries. We are representing many clients who have suffered severe tooth decay. In fact, due to so many adverse event reports received by the FDA, it unilaterally changed the warning label for Suboxone sublingual films.

We project that the plaintiffs will get past Daubert hearing requirements (a Daubert hearing is where the Court determines the admissibility of expert testimony along with the methodology behind their scientific findings and conclusions.) 

While it is unlikely we will see a Suboxone settlement in 2024, this lawsuit could conceivably be resolved within the next two to three years at most. Thus, it will move more quickly than other mass tort lawsuits. 

February 7, 2024 – Suboxone Lawsuit is Beginning to Take Off

In the past week, we have begun seeing heavy internet advertising for Suboxone lawsuits; especially on Facebook and Instagram. The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit will be one of the most popular mass torts in 2024 as more folks become aware of the adverse impact sublingual buprenorphine has on their dental health. 

February 6, 2024 – While MDL Gets Going, a Suboxone Settlement is not in the Near Future

The Suboxone lawsuits share a similar legal theory of liability. Injured plaintiffs allege prescription Suboxone film causes tooth erosion and decay because it has an acidic ingredient that differs from the prior tablet form of this medication. 

In addition, plaintiffs claim the maker of Suboxone knew about this potential problem yet failed to warn patients using the drug. After these lawsuits began, Suboxone added a warning about potential dental issues.

Since the plaintiffs will need to provide a solid scientific basis to support these claims, the team at Lawsuit Legal News does not expect any settlement discussions or payments in the coming months while both sides sort out the related medical research. We anticipate Suboxone tooth decay litigation will take a few years to play out. 

In the meantime, filing deadlines are approaching or may have expired by now. To learn more about your specific right to join this MDL, reach out to the LLN team today.

February 2, 2024 – Suboxone Lawsuit Now Officially an MDL

Officially, the Federal Suboxone lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL), which brings separate lawsuits from around the nation into one court. This helps organize and streamline discovery processes and motion hearings to ensure consistent court rulings while each case maintains a separate legal claim.

There was no need for oral arguments during the JPML hearing since both sides agreed to the MDL beforehand. Judge Phillip Calabrese will preside over the litigation in the Northern District of Ohio. Thus, all federal Suboxone lawsuits have been consolidated before Judge Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio.

January 27, 2024 – JPML Committee Meets to Discuss Consolidating Suboxone Lawsuits, Helping Speed Up Cases and Potential Compensation for Clients

The Joint Panel on Multidistrict Litigation met today in Santa Barbara, California, to discuss consolidation of all Suboxone lawsuits filed in Federal Courts throughout the United States, known as an MDL.

We are projecting that all lawsuits concerning physician-prescribed Suboxone film will be consolidated into a single case in the Northern District of Ohio. This consolidation will move things along more quickly and could help clients receive compensation sooner. We expect an order from the JPML within the next week or two at most.

It is worth noting that both Reckitt-Benckiser and Indivior have previously filed responsive motions with the JPML and agree with consolidating the Suboxone lawsuit. Thus, this seems like a predictable outcome.

January 17, 2024 – Suboxone Lawsuit Statute of Limitations

As the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit continues, some states are starting to reach their statute of limitations for product liability cases or defective drug cases. Since Indivior added a warning to the Suboxone films in January 2022, exactly 2 years ago, potential plaintiffs in a state with a 2-year statute of limitations will soon (or may already) not be able to file a lawsuit. Read our updated section on the Statute of Limitations for the Suboxone Lawsuit.

January 16, 2024 – Pennsylvania Plaintiff Says Indivior Did Not Warn Her Doctors About Risk of Extensive Tooth Decay

On January 12th, another product liability lawsuit was filed against the manufacturers of the buprenorphine-naloxone medication Suboxone. The plaintiff is Lindsay Haddad, a woman who had used Suboxone to treat her opioid addiction. 

In her personal injury lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court Western District of Pennslyvania, she describes the extensive tooth decay and dental issues she experienced as a result of using the defective drug. 

Haddad’s provider prescribed her the sublingual film version of Suboxone in 2013, the same year it was made available. At that time, Suboxone was not labeled with any warnings concerning potential tooth decay.

Haddad argues that Indivior should be liable for her damages based on the flawed design of sublingual Suboxone, but also because the manufacturer failed to warn her or her providers that using Suboxone could cause irreparable damage to her teeth. Her Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit also alleges that the company failed to rigorously test the sublingual film form of the drug and used a defective design.

January 13, 2024 – New Suboxone Cases Keep Coming as More People Learn About the Possible Cause of Their Tooth Decay

While plaintiffs await the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) hearing scheduled for January 25th to determine if their Suboxone lawsuits and claims will be consolidated, more and more people who have been prescribed Suboxone are continuing to find out that their dental problems might be linked to their medication.

This has caused a rise in product liability lawsuits against the manufacturer of the Buprenorphine medication Suboxone.

January 12, 2024 – New Suboxone Lawsuit Sheds Light on Acidity of Sublingual Buprenorphine Naloxone Exposure

A new lawsuit filed by a New York resident this week shows the problems associated with long-term Suboxone use. Suboxone was prescribed to this individual to treat opioid addiction. In turn, the acidity of Suboxone caused significant tooth decay resulting in the extraction of multiple teeth. Unfortunately, neither the plaintiff nor his physician were aware of the significant risks associated with Suboxone use.

The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) already shows a disproportionately high rate of dental disorder claims associated with buprenorphine medications. We believe that physicians prescribing Suboxone film would be aware that the cure to opioid use disorder may be worse than the problem itself.

January 2, 2024 – New Suboxone Lawsuit Filed Targeting Pain Pills for Dental Side Effects

Another person has brought a claim against Suboxone—this time a woman in Ohio—who claims that taking Suboxone to treat her opioid addiction caused her serious dental injuries. In the lawsuit filed on her behalf, she claims that the manufacturer of Suboxone was aware of this dangerous side effect but chose not to include any warning about possible tooth decay on the drug's warning label or in the drug's medication pamphlet given to patients. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the Ohio woman's physician was also not aware of the dangers of Suboxone when it comes to tooth decay and other dental problems.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff explains that her addiction started when she was prescribed opioid pain medicine by a doctor. And, like so many who have suffered directly or indirectly from America's opioid crisis, she became addicted. As she was seeking help for her substance dependence issue, she was prescribed Suboxone.

Now, having conquered her addiction and the tribulations that go along with it, the plaintiff claims she had to undergo extensive dental work to repair the damage caused by Indivior's negligence and is seeking compensation for her present and future medical bills along with pain and suffering.

December 26, 2023 – JPML Sets Hearing to Determine Fate of Suboxone Lawsuit

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) will be hearing arguments from plaintiffs and defense counsel on creating multidistrict litigation for Suboxone on January 25, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. We project that all federal lawsuits that comprise the Suboxone class action lawsuit will be consolidated in the Northern District of Ohio. 

This would be a very favorable jurisdiction for bringing legal actions alleging dental damage caused by Suboxone. The purpose of consolidation is to streamline discovery and pretrial proceedings.  

November 30, 2023 – Petition Filed With JPML on Suboxone Films

A petition has been filed with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) by a group of lawyers acting on behalf of plaintiffs to consolidate all lawsuits that have been filed in Federal Court into multidistrict litigation (MDL). As of today, a majority of Suboxone lawsuits have been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, which is the odds-on favorite to be selected as the jurisdiction for the forthcoming Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits MDL.

November 20, 2024 - Anticipating a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit

We anticipate the Suboxone class action lawsuit will inevitably become an MDL (multidistrict litigation) soon. Once enough lawsuits have been filed in Federal Courts throughout the nation, the plaintiffs will petition the JPML (Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation) to consolidate all lawsuits before one Judge in one (Federal Court) jurisdiction. 

There is a lot of potential for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits to move forward. The manufacturer simply rushed the sublingual film version to market in fear of competition from generic tablets. To combat this, they quickly developed a film version, marketed it as "better", and got the word out to doctors asap.

Unfortunately, this decision has seemingly led to a large number of adverse event reports of serious dental issues and dental injuries, so many that it has become alarming. They all begin with the destruction of tooth enamel due to the acidity of sublingual Suboxone strips.

Our law firm began investigating Suboxone teeth lawsuits back in August of 2023. In fact, we were among the first law firms to investigate claims related to dental injuries from Suboxone sublingual exposure.

November 12, 2023 – Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits Have Common Issues 

We are seeing a growing number of plaintiffs filing lawsuits in Federal Court alleging a wide array of dental injuries caused by the acidic Suboxone sublingual films used to wean individuals off of opiates. The acidic films destroy the protective outer layer of one's tooth enamel. Many of the Suboxone product liability lawsuits list oral infections, degradation of tooth enamel, tooth extractions, diminution of oral health, and other serious dental problems related to the use of this product. However, cavities and tooth loss appear to be the most common complaints with this chronic pain medication. 

November 1, 2023 – Suboxone Lawsuit is Taking off 

Fourteen new Suboxone lawsuits were filed against Indivior in federal courts over the past ten (10) days. We believe that this mass tort will explode over the coming months. Indivior's patent on the tablet form of Suboxone was set to expire, which would allow for generic competition. Thus, the sublingual form was rushed to market, leading to a host of Suboxone side effects and terrible dental outcomes. 

The crisis and effects of opioids led to this prescription medication exploding in popularity which makes for a potentially large plaintiff base.  We are of the opinion that a Suboxone settlement is nowhere near the horizon as this lawsuit is just kicking off.

October 30, 2023 – Suboxone Manufacturer Facing Exposure

The pharmaceutical giant Indivior—who has been sued for monopoly violations, lying to the government, and so many more—got hit with another legal challenge recently for an illegal kickback scheme and false marketing claims. Indivior says they did nothing wrong and are fighting the potential class action lawsuit in court. However, with so many individuals experiencing dental problems while taking Suboxone, along with the scientific evidence, it's possible they could be found liable for negligence. Further, Indivior will deal with antitrust litigation relating to how their product has been marketed. Thus, Indivior will be fighting a multi-pronged legal battle in the future on multiple fronts. 

September 28, 2023 – First Suboxone Lawsuit Alleging Tooth Decay Filed

David Sorensen has filed a Suboxone lawsuit in the Northern District of Ohio, naming Indivior Inc. as the defendant. The lawsuit alleges the sublingual film form of Suboxone led to permanent tooth decay, and he incurred significant expenses in treating multiple medical providers for dental care.

The Suboxone lawsuit is the beginning of a litigation storm. Plaintiff lawyers will argue that Indivior was fearful their patent on Suboxone tablets was about to expire. In turn, the defendant manufacturer introduced the sublingual film version, which some will say was rushed to market. Indivior Inc. did everything to avoid dealing with generic versions of their medication designed to treat drug addicts during the opioid crisis.

June 01, 2022 - FDA Updates Warning Label for Prescription Suboxone Film

The FDA has unilaterally changed the warning label on sublingual buprenorphine. The gold standard medication used to treat opioid addiction now has a warning label that warns of adverse dental events such as; severe tooth decay, dental infection or abscesses, tooth erosion, oral infections, partial and total tooth loss.

The leading opioid addiction medication was previously the subject of a drug safety communication issued by the FDA in early January 2022

January 12, 2022 - FDA Provides Warning of Severe Dental Injuries Associated With Sublingual Buprenorphine

The FDA issued a drug safety communication wherein they warned the public about dental injuries related to the use of sublingual Suboxone. The Federal Drug Administration lists severe dental health issues such as tooth decay, oral infections, significant amounts of cavities, and loss of teeth. The adverse event reports of severe dental injuries, even in individuals with no history of oral health issues, are alarming.

Keep in mind that this drug safety communication states that the benefits provided by Suboxone outweigh the harm. However, we believe this is only part of the story as Indivior has a history of being a bad actor. It is our belief that the risk of dental injuries such as severe tooth decay was significantly increased by the introduction of the sublingual version of Suboxone. 

We believe the sublingual version was rushed to market by Indivior to avoid generic competition, as the patent on the tablet form of the opioid addiction medication was about to expire. This argument will be at the heart of the forthcoming Suboxone tooth decay litigation. 

Furthermore, we anticipate Indivior's defense lawyers will argue that the benefits provided by Suboxone (best in class for opioid addiction treatment) far outweigh the potential nasty side effects. In turn, the volume of adverse event reports documented by the FDA, taken in conjunction with the growing class of plaintiffs alleging significant dental injuries, demonstrates the danger of this product. 

We strongly believe Indivior has victimized opioid addicts by introducing a medication that is incredibly harmful to one's oral health based on the acidity of the sublingual film version of Suboxone.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone packet containing one film strip of 8mg of buprenorphine and 2mg of naloxone that is often placed under the tongue or in the cheek - Dolman Law Group - Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Lawyers

Suboxone is a medication—often prescribed in a film rather than a tablet, like the picture above—that aids individuals struggling with opioid addiction by making it easier for them to stop using the harmful drugs.

It works similarly to other opiates but in a way that doesn't make you feel "high." This can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to recover from opioid dependence or addiction. attaching to the same parts of the brain that opioids stick to attaching to the same parts of the brain that opioids stick to

Suboxone is generally considered the best in class for opioid addiction treatment. Some individuals might get side effects from Suboxone, like nausea, headaches, and constipation. But if you notice anything concerning dental health, especially tooth decay, you should talk to a doctor.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

Why are People Filing Suboxone Lawsuits 

Dental health problems linked to Suboxone have become a problem for those prescribed the medication. Many have reported some severe dental issues, including:

Severe Tooth Decay

This is one of the biggest issues, resulting in numerous cavities and damaging teeth, often resulting in emotional distress. The majority of cases we have seen so far are potential tooth decay lawsuits.

Tooth Erosion

Suboxone use might erode tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. As a result, patients can develop the following dental problems:

  • Cavities
  • Dental caries
  • Dental crowns or crown replacement
  • Tooth loss

Dry Mouth

Some people on Suboxone experience dry mouth as a side effect, leading to less saliva production. Saliva helps protect teeth from decay, so less of it can mean more dental problems. Saliva helps protect the teeth from harmful bacteria and substances that can cause tooth decay. Saliva protects against dental caries (breakdown of the tooth). Saliva helps protect the teeth.

Gum Problems

Suboxone might also cause gum issues, like inflammation which can greatly impact dental health, and periodontal disease, which also has a serious impact on dental health.

Tooth Fractures/Broken Teeth

We are seeing numerous complaints of fractured teeth and cracked teeth supposedly caused by Suboxone film strips.

Infections

Many of the aforementioned dental problems also come with the risk of leading to infection. Mouth and dental infections are not only painful and costly but can potentially spread. Depending on the person, infections can also present serious risks in the event they are immunocompromised or elderly.

Fixing these dental problems can be painful and expensive. That's why you should reach out to a skilled defective drug lawyer like Dolman Law Group.

How to Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit

  1. You must have used prescribed Suboxone sublingual strips for at least six months.
  2. You must have suffered a dental injury or severe dental health problems after starting Suboxone (including any of the following injuries: advanced tooth decay, tooth loss, tooth fracture, substantial cavities, gum disease, and gum injuries).
  3. You must have undergone routine dental care before using Suboxone so you have a record of your prior dental health.

Allegations Against Indivior for Suboxone Tooth Decay

The lawsuits claim that Indivior didn't warn people enough about the risk that a user may suffer severe tooth decay linked to the opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone. They also say that Indivior knew or should've known about the risk but didn't do enough to prevent it. Our Suboxone lawyers believe we will learn more over the coming months about how much Indivior knew about the risks of sublingual Suboxone film exposure years ago.

Evidence for Suboxone Causing Tooth Damage

The connection between prescription medication Suboxone use and tooth decay is based on reports and scientific observations. But we need more research to be sure. Here's what's been pointed out (potential side effects):

Patient Reports

Lots of people taking Suboxone have reported dental problems, including tooth degradation. These reports have raised awareness about the issue.

Dry Mouth Side Effect

Suboxone can cause dry mouth because it's taken under the tongue. Less saliva can lead to tooth decay since saliva helps protect teeth from acids and harmful bacteria.

Acidic Nature

Suboxone strips have an acidic pH, which could contribute to enamel erosion and decay if you don't practice good dental hygiene.

Medical Studies

Some early studies suggest a link between opioid meds like Suboxone and dental issues, but we need more research for a clear connection.

Woman with tooth pain - Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit - Lawsuit Legal News

Possible Punitive Damages in a Suboxone Lawsuit

We believe Indivior knew just how acidic the sublingual strips of Suboxone are and how they can destroy a user's tooth enamel. There have been numerous adverse event reports of severe tooth decay, broken teeth, cracked teeth, and gum infections, among other issues related to the use of Suboxone sublingual form.

Indivior's failure to warn consumers of such issues has resulted in the need for extensive dental treatment for many of the clients we represent. Thus, we believe punitive damages are warranted above and beyond compensatory damages in a Suboxone dental lawsuit.

Studies Connecting Suboxone to Tooth Decay

A few studies have looked into the connection between Suboxone and tooth decay. Some credible sources suggest that Suboxone might increase the risk of dental problems:

  • One study in 2016 found that people taking Suboxone were more likely to get tooth decay than those who didn't.
  • Another study found that Suboxone users had more cavities and tooth erosion than others.
  • A 2022 study found that Suboxone users had a higher risk of dental issues compared to those taking other meds for opioid use disorder, especially if they had dental problems before starting Suboxone. There was a large increase in the risk for adverse dental outcomes.

Injuries in Suboxone Lawsuits

  • Root canal
  • Cracked Teeth
  • Tooth Decay
  • Tooth loss and extraction
  • Tooth enamel loss
  • Infection
  • Cavities

FDA's Response to Suboxone Tooth Decay

In 2022, the FDA warned about the risk of dental problems linked to buprenorphine (Suboxone). Some people had serious oral issues like tooth decay, cavities, infections, and tooth loss, even if they'd never had dental problems before and kept up good dental hygiene.

According to the FDA, more and more medical research and reports are connecting the dissolvable sublingual film with dental problems. So, the FDA told manufacturers to put warnings about these dental risks in the prescribing info and the patient medication guide.

We believe the drug maker Indivior, Inc., failed to include adequate warnings the sublingual film version of this prescription drug could cause serious dental health issues.

Statute of Limitations for the Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit

The statute of limitations in mass tort cases is one of those things that is always a concern. For example, in the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit, lots of people took the medication years ago and are just now finding out about all the damage it caused. Or, maybe five years ago, they suffered severe dental problems, but they didn't know it was because of Suboxone films.

When it comes to the statute of limitations for the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit, it depends on the state you live in and the specific circumstances of your cases.

To be more clear, it depends on the window of opportunity established by the statute of limitations for defective drug cases or product liability cases in your state. And whether or not your specific circumstances will allow a lawyer to still file a lawsuit on your behalf even if the deadline may have passed. For example, if your dental injuries just started showing, a lawyer may be able to work with you.

It should be noted that in a lot of states, the statute of limitations is starting to run out since Indivior added a warning to Suboxone film in January 2022.

Calling the LLN Suboxone Lawyers is the quickest way to find out, but there is a breakdown of each state and its statute of limitations pertaining to defective drugs or product liability. Those states in bold have reached or are very near to the end of their statute of limitations. Please refer to this list is you are seeking to file a Suboxone lawsuit.

  • Alabama Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Alaska Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Arizona Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Arkansas Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 3 Years
  • California Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Colorado Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Connecticut Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Washington D.C. Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Florida Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 4 Years
  • Delaware Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Georgia Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 2 Years
  • Hawaii Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years with discovery rule
  • Idaho Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Illinois Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Indiana Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Iowa Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Kansas Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Kentucky Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 1 Year with discovery rule
  • Louisiana Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 1 Year
  • Maine Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 6 Years
  • Maryland Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Massachusetts Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Michigan Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Defective Drug Case: 6 Years
  • Mississippi Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Missouri Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 5 Years
  • Montana Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Nebraska Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Nevada Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • New Hampshire Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • New Jersey Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • New Mexico Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • New York Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • North Carolina Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 6 Years
  • North Dakota Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 10 Years
  • Ohio Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Oklahoma Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Oregon Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Rhode Island Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • South Carolina Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • South Dakota Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Tennessee Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 1 Year with discovery rule
  • Texas Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Utah Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Vermont Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Virginia Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Washington Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • West Virginia Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 2 Years
  • Wisconsin Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 3 Years
  • Wyoming Statute of Limitations for Product Liability: 4 Years

People who've had severe tooth decay or other mouth problems because of Suboxone might be able to get some compensation. The amount depends on how bad the dental damage is and all the details of the case.

Compensation for tooth problems related to Suboxone film use could include:

  • Medical Bills
  • Dental Bills
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Lost Wages
  • Future Medical Costs
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages

Indivior's Questionable Past as a Bad Actor

Indivior agreed to a $385 million settlement in October to resolve a series of lawsuits that accused them of illegally attempting to maintain its monopoly over Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.

In June, Indivior agreed to pay a settlement of $102.5 million to dozens of U.S. states for the monetary damage they incurred through state-based healthcare programs. And, in August, they also agreed to pay $30 million to settle a similar class action lawsuit by health insurance companies.

These lawsuits show that Indivior is no stranger to serious accusations.

And more to the point, this lawsuit and others like it filed against Indivior also bolsters claims that the reason Suboxone strips did not have a warning about tooth decay is because the product was rushed to market to presumably help maintain the monopoly addressed in this lawsuit.

The lawsuits alleged that Indivior attempted to extend its monopoly by changing Suboxone from a tablet form to a sublingual film version to deter generic competition by convincing doctors and patients that new—and still Indivior-owned—films were more effective and convenient for users, making them a better choice of the tablets.

This was never proven to be the case, but today, the sublingual film version of Suboxone completely dominates the market, even now that both tablet and film patents are up. Their marketing worked: strips have dominated tablets in Suboxone treatment.

Indivior settled without admitting any wrongdoing and concluded nearly ten years of constant litigation.

That is, until it was discovered that they failed to warn patients that Suboxone can cause possible tooth decay—whether or not it was caused by rushing to maintain their monopoly.

Suboxone film strip next to its packaging and a hand holding a Suboxone tablet for comparison, everything is over a black background

Lawsuit Legal News is ready to help you get the compensation you need for your dental problem caused by Suboxone. Our associated law firm, Dolman Law Group, has fought back against some of the biggest drug companies in the world, like 3M, Chemguard, Chevron, Tyco, Dupont, Tylenol and Ozempic, and is ready to take on Indivior.

If you suffer from or have suffered severe tooth decay, tooth loss, fractured teeth, root canal, or persistent cavities after using the sublingual form of Suboxone film; we would like to speak with you about a potential Suboxone lawsuit. 

Our Suboxone lawyers remain ready, willing, and able to assist you with the handling of your claim and the inevitable filing of a lawsuit against Indivior. Dealing with opioid dependence is a significant ordeal by itself. Having to tackle an opioid use disorder and withdrawal symptoms while dealing with poor dental health is quite a burden.

We have built a national reputation for litigating against every major pharmaceutical company that has injured patients taking their drugs. The lawyers affiliated with Lawsuit Legal News have taken on drug manufacturers nationwide.

Our Suboxone tooth decay lawyers offer a free consultation and case evaluation to anyone suffering from tooth loss, severe tooth decay, tooth erosion, gum disease, and other dental injuries or tooth issues following long-term use of Suboxone. If you believe you have a potential Suboxone lawsuit, contact us for a free consultation.

We are handling Suboxone tooth decay cases nationwide. Contact us immediately at (833) 552-7274.

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