Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone, primarily used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).

The drug is administered as a sublingual film strip that dissolves under the tongue to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence.

The (2) two active ingredients in Suboxone are:

• Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense euphoria associated with full opioids.
• Naloxone: An opioid antagonist that precipitates withdrawal symptoms to deter misuse.

The sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone is intended to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for doctors to gradually reduce the dosage over time until patients are completely weaned off the drug in combination with counseling and therapy.

An alarming amount of cases describe severe oral health issues in patients with no reported prior history of dental problems.

How Suboxone Causes Tooth Decay

Suboxone’s acidic composition creates significant oral health risks during its required 5-10 minute sublingual dissolution period.

The medication’s dual mechanisms of direct acid exposure and induced xerostomia (dry mouth) can significantly impact dental health.

This combination creates an environment particularly conducive to tooth decay and enamel erosion.

The following factors contribute to Suboxone-related dental complications:

• Direct Acid Exposure: Requires a minimum of 5-10 minutes of continuous acid contact during dissolution; prolonged exposure can occur when proper mouth rinsing is omitted, and repeated daily acid exposure is common with ongoing treatment.
• Xerostomia Effects: Reduced saliva production, leading to diminished natural buffering of oral pH and decreased natural cleansing of the oral cavity.
• Enamel Impact: Progressive erosion of the protective enamel layer, resulting in increased vulnerability to bacterial invasion and a heightened risk of cavity formation and structural damage.

Proper oral hygiene protocols, including post-dissolution mouth rinsing, are often overlooked in patient education for patients on Suboxone therapy.

Reduced saliva production and repeated acid exposure create a particularly challenging environment for maintaining dental health.

Regular dental monitoring and preventive care are essential to long-term Suboxone treatment management.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and suffered severe tooth decay, you may qualify to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation determining your eligibility to file a claim in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit today.

In January 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about dental problems associated with buprenorphine medications dissolved in the mouth, such as Suboxone.

The FDA identified 305 cases of dental issues, including tooth decay, cavities, oral infections, and tooth loss, of which 131 were classified as serious.

They also acknowledged that this number is likely underestimated, as not all cases are reported, and many patients may not associate their dental problems with buprenorphine use.

The majority of these cases occurred in patients using the medication for opioid use disorder (OUD).

FDA Analysis of Buprenorphine Medications

The FDA’s analysis of buprenorphine medications underscores an array of dental complications linked to the transmucosal form of this drug, which includes tablets and films dissolved in the mouth.

These adverse dental effects include rapid decay, dental abscesses, and tooth fractures.

The analysis reveals that even patients without a history of dental issues are at risk, with some cases of dental injury manifesting as soon as two weeks after beginning treatment.

Analysis of the documented cases reveals the following data:

• The average patient age was 42 years, with documented instances starting from age 18;
• 37% of patients experienced damage to two or more teeth;
• 23.3% of cases necessitated tooth extraction procedures;
• 8.5% of affected patients had no prior dental issues; and
• Treatments often involve root canals, crowns, implants, or other dental surgeries.

Healthcare professionals provided extensive documentation as evidence supporting the severity of the Suboxone tooth decay claims.

The median timeframe for diagnosis was approximately (2) two years after initiating treatment.

Initial oral complications were observed in some patients as early as (2) two weeks after beginning buprenorphine therapy.

According to the FDA, the benefits of buprenorphine in OUD management continue to outweigh these risks.

However, dental care providers and patients are urged to adopt specific preventive measures, such as regular dental checkups and following post-dissolution rinsing routines, to help reduce the likelihood of severe dental outcomes.

Additional Oral Health Risks Associated With Suboxone

Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is also associated with substantial oral health risks when dissolved in the mouth.

The acidic nature of these medications, combined with the method of administration, creates an environment conducive to enamel erosion and bacterial growth, both of which accelerate tooth decay.

The following are specific concerns associated with Suboxone use:

• Enamel erosion: Increased risk due to acidity and prolonged exposure
• Bacterial growth: The mouth’s altered pH fosters conditions for oral bacteria
• Preventive practices: Rinsing with water post-dose, delaying tooth brushing by one hour
• Long-term effects: Potential for multiple tooth extractions, crowns, or implants due to significant decay

The FDA advises Suboxone patients to follow stringent dental hygiene practices and maintain consistent dental checkups to detect and address early signs of decay.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and suffered severe tooth decay, you may qualify to seek compensation.

Contact us using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation, which can determine your eligibility to file a claim in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit today.

Dental problems linked to Suboxone use can be life-changing for affected individuals, significantly impairing both oral health and overall quality of life.

The development of severe dental issues from Suboxone, such as tooth decay or tooth loss, often necessitates extensive and costly treatments, which can add a financial burden to the physical and emotional stress already experienced by patients.

For many in recovery from opioid use disorder, the added expense of critical dental care may be financially overwhelming, preventing them from accessing necessary treatments.

If you have experienced tooth decay, tooth loss, or other dental problems after using Suboxone, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out instantly if you qualify to file a Suboxone lawsuit.

Suboxone attorneys can guide you through the legal process, helping you gather essential evidence and assess damages to build a strong case.

Gathering Evidence for Suboxone Lawsuits

Evidence is vital in personal injury and product liability lawsuits, as it helps establish the connection between Suboxone use and dental complications.

Working with an experienced lawyer can ensure all critical evidence is gathered and preserved, but you can also begin this step to strengthen your claim.

Important evidence in Suboxone lawsuits may include:

• Medical Records: Showing your Suboxone prescription, treatment duration, and any adverse effects documented by healthcare providers.
• Dental Health Records: Including detailed notes from dental professionals on the condition of your teeth and gums, diagnoses, and other dental injuries.
• Documentation of Suboxone Prescription: Records confirming that you were prescribed and regularly using Suboxone.
• X-ray Images of Damaged Teeth: X-rays provide clear visual proof of tooth damage, which is crucial for demonstrating the extent of dental injuries.
• Photos and Videos: Images or video documentation showing the progression of dental issues or the impact of treatments.
• Additional Evidence: Any other documents showing Suboxone use and subsequent dental health problems, such as treatment plans, medication lists, or dental cost breakdowns.

Collecting this evidence is essential in demonstrating how Suboxone led to severe dental issues, providing a factual basis for your claim and potentially influencing the compensation awarded.

Assessing Damages in Suboxone Lawsuits

Damages in Suboxone lawsuits refer to the total financial and personal losses sustained due to dental problems linked to Suboxone use.

Calculating these damages requires an experienced attorney who will work with you to evaluate each aspect of your claim and determine the compensation needed to address past, present, and future losses.

Potential damages in Suboxone lawsuits may include:

• Medical Bills (Past, Present, & Future): Compensation for all medical expenses related to dental issues, from initial diagnostics to ongoing treatments.
• Dental Bills: Coverage for the costs of restorative procedures, such as root canals, crowns, implants, or dentures.
• Lost Wages or Earning Ability: Recovery for income lost due to time off work and diminished earning potential if dental issues have impaired job performance.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical discomfort, emotional distress, and psychological tolls related to ongoing dental complications.
• Lost Quality of Life: Compensation for reduced daily enjoyment or ability to engage in social, professional, or personal activities.
• Permanent Disability: In cases where dental injuries result in permanent limitations or disabilities.
• Emotional Damages: Compensation for the mental health impact of visible or painful dental injuries, especially if they affect self-confidence or social interactions.
• Other Compensatory and Punitive Damages: Depending on the case, punitive damages may apply if there’s evidence of manufacturer negligence, aiming to deter similar harm in the future.

Assessing these damages comprehensively can provide a more accurate picture of the claim’s value, offering plaintiffs the financial resources necessary to move forward while addressing the substantial effects of Suboxone-related dental damage.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and suffered severe tooth decay, you may qualify to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation, which can determine your eligibility to file a claim in the Suboxone MDL today.

Patients who have experienced significant dental damage linked to Suboxone use may be eligible to join the multi-district litigation (MDL) against its manufacturer.

The MDL aims to consolidate claims of individuals who have suffered from severe tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health complications associated with sublingual Suboxone.

Eligible plaintiffs typically must demonstrate that they used Suboxone as prescribed, experienced dental injuries attributable to the medication, and incurred financial or personal losses due to these injuries.

An attorney specializing in MDL cases at TruLaw can help assess eligibility and guide potential plaintiffs through the filing process.

Types of Recoverable Damages in the Suboxone MDL

The Suboxone tooth decay litigation allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for various damages related to dental injuries and their impact on quality of life.

These recoverable damages provide financial relief for both the economic and non-economic consequences associated with severe dental health issues caused by Suboxone use.

Common types of recoverable damages in the Suboxone MDL include:

• Medical and Dental Expenses: This covers the cost of treatments required due to dental decay or gum disease, such as root canals, crowns, implants, or dentures.
• Future Dental Care: Compensation for anticipated costs related to ongoing dental treatments or preventive care needed due to permanent dental damage.
• Lost Wages or Earning Capacity: Provides for income lost due to dental pain, recovery time, or medical appointments and accounts for diminished earning potential in severe cases.
• Pain and Suffering: Addresses the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by chronic dental issues, such as pain, self-consciousness, or difficulty eating.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Compensation for the reduction in daily enjoyment and social interactions due to dental injuries, especially when oral damage affects one’s appearance or confidence.

These damages reflect the significant toll that Suboxone-related dental complications can have on patients, aiming to support their recovery and mitigate the financial burden.

Steps to File a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Filing for the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits involves several steps to ensure a thorough case evaluation and appropriate filing within the MDL framework.

Working with an attorney experienced in MDL cases can help streamline the process and maximize the potential for a successful outcome.

Here are the typical steps involved in filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit:

1. Consult an Attorney: Begin with a consultation to assess eligibility for the MDL, discuss potential damages, and understand the legal process involved in pursuing compensation.
2. Collect Medical and Dental Records: Your attorney will help you gather documentation showing Suboxone use and dental treatments, including records of decay, extractions, crowns, or other necessary procedures.
3. Document Financial and Personal Losses: Collect proof of expenses and personal impacts, such as medical bills, lost wages, or statements detailing the effect on daily life.
4. File a Claim: Once the evidence is compiled, your attorney will submit the claim within the MDL, detailing the injuries and damages sustained.
5. Participate in the Discovery Process: In MDL cases, discovery may involve sharing records, answering questions, or providing depositions. This phase aims to strengthen your case by establishing evidence of Suboxone-related harm.
6. Negotiate or Proceed to Trial: Many MDL cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

By following these steps and working closely with a knowledgeable attorney, plaintiffs can build a strong case for compensation to address the lasting effects of Suboxone-related dental damage.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Suboxone and suffered tooth decay, you may qualify to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation, which can determine your eligibility to join others in filing for the Suboxone teeth lawsuits today.

With increasing numbers of plaintiffs reporting severe dental injuries allegedly linked to Suboxone use, potential settlement amounts for Suboxone lawsuits are under scrutiny.

While the exact payout for individual cases remains uncertain, settlements in similar cases typically depend on factors such as the severity of dental issues, associated medical costs, lost wages, and the overall impact on quality of life.

Average Suboxone Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

No settlements have been reached in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits at this time.

However, legal experts estimate that average Suboxone settlement amounts could range between $10,000 to $500,000+ per claimant, depending on individual circumstances and the progression of the litigation.

These projections are based on settlements from similar product liability cases and should not be viewed as a guarantee of compensation.

For more information on your potential Suboxone lawsuit, contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation.

Though no specific average settlement amount has yet been established for dental-related Suboxone cases, prior settlements in pharmaceutical injury lawsuits suggest that settlements could vary widely based on individual circumstances.

Factors influencing the average settlement values in the Suboxone lawsuit include:

• Extent of Dental Damage: Severe cases requiring multiple procedures, such as extractions, implants, or full-mouth rehabilitation, will likely yield higher settlements.
• Impact on Daily Life: Cases where dental issues significantly hinder work, social life, or physical health can also drive higher settlement amounts.
• Ongoing Medical Needs: Plaintiffs needing continuous dental care or preventive measures due to permanent damage may receive greater compensation.
• Presence of Manufacturer Negligence: If proven, negligence or failure to warn consumers about Suboxone’s potential risks could result in higher compensatory or punitive damages.

Previous Lawsuits Against Indivior (Suboxone Manufacturer)

While Suboxone has played a pivotal role in treating opioid addiction, its history is fraught with legal challenges, primarily focused on misleading marketing practices and efforts to block generic competition.

These legal issues have led to significant financial penalties for Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone.

The following are key settlements that highlight the legal action taken against the company for various practices:

• October 2023: Indivior Inc. agreed to pay $385 million to resolve final Suboxone monopoly lawsuits. These lawsuits claimed that the company’s practices unlawfully restricted competition in the market.
• June 2023: Suboxone reached a $102.5 million settlement with 42 states to compensate states for inflated costs tied to restricted generic alternatives.
• May 2021: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it returned nearly $60 million to consumers overcharged for Suboxone due to Indivior’s attempts to suppress generic competition.
• July 2019: The U.S. Justice Department secured a $1.4 billion settlement from Reckitt Benckiser Group, the former parent company of Indivior, addressing allegations of false marketing claims and safety misrepresentations.

These prior lawsuits demonstrate Indivior’s history of legal and regulatory challenges, with substantial penalties resulting from anti-competitive and allegedly misleading practices.

This pattern of litigation underscores the company’s ongoing legal vulnerability, a factor that could influence future settlements in dental injury cases as plaintiffs seek accountability for their injuries.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and suffered severe tooth decay, you may qualify to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation, which will determine your eligibility to file a claim in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit today.

Our Suboxone attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Suboxone lawsuit.

With extensive experience in dangerous drugs cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how Suboxone medication caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for dental treatment expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages resulting from your Suboxone injuries.

We understand the physical and emotional toll that Suboxone complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead Suboxone Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Suboxone attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring a Suboxone lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced severe tooth decay, dental erosion, tooth loss, gum disease, or other oral health problems after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Suboxone lawsuit today.

Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were diagnosed with severe dental problems after taking Suboxone.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The Suboxone lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling pharmaceutical liability cases similar to the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one suffered from severe dental problems after taking Suboxone sublingual films, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing a claim in the Suboxone MDL-3092 today.