Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Written By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Attorney Jessie Paluch, founder of TruLaw, has over 25 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw 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 by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • Suboxone sublingual films and tablets are designed to be placed beneath the tongue and dissolved, but are claimed to be highly acidic.
  • Research has shown and lawsuits claim that the acidity of Suboxone can weaken tooth enamel, potentially leading to tooth erosion.
  • Serious dental problems from Suboxone use may require extensive treatment, often involving tooth extractions, caps and crowns, root canals, and other treatment to correct dental issues.

[2024 Update] Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

On this page, we’ll discuss the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit, the current status of Suboxone Lawsuits, how individuals who have suffered from severe tooth decay may be able to seek compensation, and much more.

Suboxone Film Linked to Severe Tooth Decay and Other Dental Injuries

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and has been useful throughout the nation’s opioid epidemic to help users curb addiction.

Unfortunately, Suboxone has been found to cause dental injuries, such as:

  • Severe tooth decay
  • Cavities and tooth loss
  • Oral infections
  • Gum injuries
  • Tongue injuries
  • Other dental issues

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Update
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Dental issues from taking Suboxone can have profound psychological, emotional, and financial impacts, often leading to diminished self-esteem, social anxiety, and the burden of costly medical treatments.

If you or a loved one suffered severe tooth decay, worsening dental health, or dental injuries after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify to join others filing Suboxone Product Liability Lawsuits.

Table of Contents
Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Update

Lawsuit Updates

  • April 2024 Updates:

    As of April 1st, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reports a decrease in the number of pending Suboxone Lawsuits to 44, down from 51 on March 1st.

    These lawsuits have been filed by individuals who used Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment and subsequently suffered severe tooth decay and other dental injuries.

    In 2022, the FDA mandated that manufacturers include warning labels on Suboxone packaging to alert consumers about potential dental issues.

    However, claims suggest that many users were not adequately warned about these risks prior to this mandate.

    If you or a loved one has been affected by Suboxone contact us today for a free consultation.

    Alternatively, use the chatbot on this page for an instant Suboxone Tooth Decay lawsuit evaluation. 

  • March 2024 Updates:

    The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit continues, and our attorneys are open to representing new clients.

    The United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio has facilitated the submission of dental injury lawsuits related to Suboxone film by enabling plaintiffs to directly file their cases in this court within the broader framework of Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) No. 3092.

    Suboxone, a medication prescribed for opioid addiction treatment, combines buprenorphine to lessen withdrawal symptoms with naloxone to prevent misuse.

    Risks associated with Suboxone, especially the versions that dissolve orally, include significant tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss.

    This direct filing system expedites the legal process by eliminating the requirement for lawsuits to be transferred from various jurisdictions to this centralized court.

    While plaintiffs have the choice to file their lawsuits directly in this MDL, it is not mandatory.

    Lawyers nationwide are able to represent their clients in this MDL without the need for special authorization or additional fees, making the process more streamlined for plaintiffs.

    Plaintiffs in their submissions are encouraged to propose a trial venue that has personal relevance to their case, such as their residence, the location where Suboxone was prescribed, or where it was used.

    While this does not ensure the trial will occur in the proposed location, it aids in the organization of cases within the MDL structure.

    This initiative by the Northern District of Ohio aims to make the legal process more accessible and efficient for those pursuing claims for dental damages allegedly caused by the use of Suboxone film and tablets that dissolve in the mouth.

    If you or someone you know has experienced dental problems, tooth decay, oral infections, or other dental injuries after using Suboxone, you might be eligible to participate in the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

    For a complimentary consultation, contact us today, or use the chatbot on this webpage for an instant assessment of your eligibility for the Suboxone Lawsuit.

  • March 2024 Updates:

    The Suboxone Litigation continues, and our legal team is actively taking on new cases. 

    As of March 19th, the number of cases consolidated into the Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) focusing on Suboxone-related tooth decay has reached 51.

    MDLs are essential for handling multiple lawsuits that have similar facts, especially in areas like pharmaceuticals, product defects, and complex legal matters, efficiently.

    This consolidation process for the Suboxone cases facilitates the streamlining of the discovery process, the sharing of evidence, and the speeding up of individual lawsuits.

    The formation of an MDL for Suboxone Lawsuits is a significant step in their handling and potential settlement.

    It enables the pooling of resources, which supports a stronger legal approach bolstered by thorough expert analyses and investigative work.

    Those who have suffered from dental problems due to Suboxone use now have a chance to seek legal recourse and may join a collective effort to obtain compensation.

    The creation of this MDL highlights a dedication to securing justice for individuals who have endured dental harm as a side effect of their treatment for addiction.

    If you or a loved one has faced serious dental issues as a consequence of using Suboxone, you may have the right to pursue legal action. 

    By using the chatbot on this page, you can quickly assess whether you qualify to file a Suboxone Lawsuit and get connected with a specialized Suboxone lawyer.

  • February 2024 Updates:

    The Suboxone Litigation remains active, with our legal team continuing to accept new cases.

    The Northern District of Ohio now serves as the consolidation point for the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit, as determined by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

    According to the latest JPML updates, eleven lawsuits have been merged into this new Multi-District Litigation (MDL).

    MDLs in the United States are established to efficiently manage multiple civil cases that share common legal issues, facts, or defendants.

    This legal mechanism is particularly useful when a large number of lawsuits are filed across various jurisdictions, sharing a commonality such as tooth decay claims from Suboxone usage.

    These cases are then combined in a single federal district court to undergo pretrial processes together.

    The goal of an MDL is to streamline the legal process by centralizing discovery efforts, minimizing repetitive tasks, and ensuring uniform decisions on pivotal legal matters.

    For individuals affected by dental problems attributed to Suboxone, the establishment of an MDL offers a pathway to collectively seek compensation through mass tort litigation.

    The creation of an MDL for Suboxone Tooth Decay marks an important move towards achieving justice for individuals who have experienced tooth decay or other dental injuries as a result of using this opioid treatment medication.

    If you or someone you care about has endured severe tooth decay following Suboxone use, you might have grounds to pursue legal action and file a lawsuit.

    The chatbot on this page can assist in determining your eligibility to file a Suboxone Lawsuit and connect you with a qualified Suboxone attorney.

    The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit is ongoing.

  • October 2023 Updates:

    Indivior has reached a $385 million settlement to resolve claims from drug wholesalers in the U.S., accusing the company of illegally hindering generic versions of its opioid addiction medication, Suboxone.

    This agreement concludes protracted legal disputes over Suboxone, adding to previous settlements of $102.5 million in June with U.S. states and $30 million in August to address a class action from health plans.

    The settlement avoids a trial that was set for October 30, involving around 70 Suboxone purchasers.

    Suboxone was approved in the U.S. in 2002, with Indivior enjoying exclusive rights until 2009.

    The legal challenge centered on allegations that Indivior transitioned to a film version of Suboxone to unlawfully maintain its market dominance as generics were poised to introduce more affordable tablet options.

    In addition to this settlement, Indivior agreed in 2020 to a $600 million payment to settle charges by the U.S. government related to the fraudulent marketing of Suboxone.

    Opioid-related overdoses have been implicated in more than 900,000 deaths in the U.S. since 1999, as reported by the CDC.

    Mark Crossley, CEO of Indivior, stated that this settlement provides more predictability for the company’s stakeholders and emphasized that the agreement does not include an admission of liability.

    The settlement awaits approval from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with the payment anticipated to occur the following month.

    If you or someone close to you has experienced severe tooth decay after using Suboxone, you might be entitled to pursue a lawsuit.

    The chatbot on this page can assist in determining your eligibility for a Suboxone Lawsuit and connect you with a qualified attorney specializing in Suboxone cases.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits: What to Know

The Suboxone Lawsuit centers around claims that the drug, commonly used for opioid addiction treatment, causes severe dental injuries due to its acidic nature.

Primarily affecting individuals who used the sublingual film form of the medication, Suboxne Lawsuits allege that the manufacturers failed to warn patients about the risk of tooth decay and other dental issues.

Suboxone Lawsuits are filed against Indivior Inc., Aquestive Therapeutics Inc., and Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc.

In November 2023, lawyers representing those suffering dental problems from Suboxone submitted a motion to consolidate Tooth Decay Suboxone Lawsuits.

In December 2023, defendants agreed on the issue of consolidation, and an MDL will likely be created soon.

The venue for the multidistrict litigation (MDL) centralizing Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits will likely be the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

If you were prescribed the branded drug Suboxone and subsequently suffered tooth decay, tooth loss, or other dental problems, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw today for a free consultation and to get in touch with a licensed Suboxone lawyer.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Lawsuit instantly.

About Suboxone: Uses, Controversies, and Links to Injuries

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to prevent opioid misuse and alleviate dependency.

The opioid addiction treatment is commonly administered in sublingual form, either as films or tablets, which are placed under the tongue to dissolve, allowing for direct absorption into the bloodstream.

While Suboxone has played a crucial role in opioid addiction treatment, its use has been marred by controversies, including misleading marketing practices, obstructing generic competition, and now, claims about its safety and efficacy in regard to dental problems.

Due to false marketing and illegal business tactics to suppress competition from generic manufacturers, federal Suboxone lawsuits were filed against the company.

In 2019, a successful false claims act lawsuit was settled by the DOJ and resulted in significant settlements awarded to states to reimburse Suboxone users who overpaid.

The manufacturers and distributors of Suboxone have faced significant legal action in the past:

  • October 2023: Indivior Inc. pays $385 million to settle final Suboxone monopoly lawsuits.
  • August 2023: Indivior to pay $30 million settlement to state health plans.
  • June 2023: Suboxone pays a settlement of over $102.5 million to 42 states.
  • July 2019: US Justice Department obtains $1.4 billion from Reckitt Benckiser Group.
  • May 2021: FTC announces it returned nearly $60 million to those who were overcharged.

Is The Suboxone Lawsuit for Suboxone Film Only?

No, the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits are also investigating claims from individuals who used Suboxone tablets.

Naloxone and buprenorphine medicines dissolved under the tongue may result in tooth decay due to the acidity of the medication.

If you have been prescribed Suboxone film or tablets and suffered tooth decay or other dental injuries, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Is There a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?

No, there is not a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit for those who have suffered injuries and tooth decay.

Rather, these lawsuits are pending consolidation into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

Multidistrict litigation is a special federal legal procedure designed to cut costs and increase efficiency in lawsuits involving similar cases.

MDL is specifically chosen for cases like the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit due to the common claims of tooth fractures and decay subsequent to using sublingual forms of the medication.

In MDL, as opposed to a class action lawsuit, cases retain their individuality.

This means that in the event of a Suboxone settlement for dental injuries, compensation would be distributed to plaintiffs according to the facts, damages, and circumstances of their individual case.

In a class action settlement, every person receives the same amount of money regardless of how they’ve been individually impacted.

What is the Average Suboxone Settlement Amount?

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

However, Suboxone lawyers estimate that average Suboxone settlement amounts may range between $10,000 and over $150,000 per claimant depending on the circumstances in an individual case and how the litigation unfolds.

These Suboxone settlement projections are by no means a guarantee of compensation.

Suboxone settlement amounts are merely estimations based on other product liability cases.

For more insight on your potential Suboxone Lawsuit, contact us using the chat on this page for a free consultation.

Severe Dental Injuries and Tooth Decay Linked to Suboxone Use

Both tablet and film forms of Suboxone may lead to dental injuries by eroding tooth enamel, due to the drug’s acidic nature.

Scientific studies have confirmed that taking Suboxone is linked to an increased risk of tooth decay and dental damage.

Those affected often require extensive dental treatments, ranging from fillings and crowns to more complex procedures like root canals and dental implants, to cope with the damage caused by Suboxone use.

If you’ve experienced worsening dental health or suffered from severe dental issues after using Suboxone, you may be eligible to take legal action and file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits.

What Dental Injuries are Linked to Suboxone?

While beneficial to those treating opioid addiction and related withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone has been linked to tooth decay and other dental injuries.

Suboxone, particularly prescription Suboxone film, directly exposes the teeth to acid that can erode tooth enamel.

Erosion weakens the protective outer layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay, sensitivity, and structural damage.

Dental problems potentially linked to taking Suboxone include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Tooth fractures
  • Tooth loss
  • Cavities
  • Tongue injuries
  • Gum injuries
  • Dental caries
  • Other dental injuries

How are Suboxone Patients Affected by Dental Problems?

Patients taking Suboxone have been significantly impacted by dental injuries, often without prior knowledge of the medication’s link to such issues.

Some were unaware that their dental problems could be attributed to taking Suboxone, leading to a lack of early intervention.

The repercussions of these dental issues extend beyond physical discomfort, affecting individuals psychologically and socially due to altered appearance and self-esteem.

Financially, the burden can be substantial, as dental treatments for such injuries are often costly and not always covered by insurance.

This financial barrier leaves many unable to afford the necessary care, compounding the stress and impact on their overall quality of life.

The combined effect of these factors creates a challenging situation for those affected, as they navigate the unexpected consequences of a medication intended to aid their recovery from opioid dependence.

What Dental Treatments are Needed to Correct Suboxone Injuries?

People who have taken Suboxone and experienced dental issues often find themselves seeking various dental treatments to address the resulting damage.

Dental treatments focus on restoring the health and integrity of teeth that have been compromised by enamel erosion and decay.

Treatments range from basic restorative procedures to more complex and extensive dental operations, depending on the severity of the dental problems.

Treatments for dental problems from Suboxone use include:

  • Dental Fillings
  • Crowns or Caps
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Tooth Extractions
  • Dental Implants
  • Gum Disease Treatment
  • Orthodontic Treatments
  • Dental Veneers
  • Dentures
  • Composite Bonding
  • Fluoride Treatments

January 2022 FDA Warning: Dental Problems Associated with Buprenorphine Medications Dissolved in the Mouth

In January 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the risk of dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, erosion, and even total tooth loss, associated with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain.

According to the FDA, these dental issues have been reported even in patients without prior dental problems and are linked to buprenorphine products like tablets and films used under the tongue or inside the cheek, while other forms like skin patches and injections haven’t shown these dental concerns.

As a result of the FDA warning, the drug manufacturers of Suboxone placed a warning label on their products about tooth decay and dental problems.

Research in the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Several scientific studies have explored or mentioned the connections between dental injuries and the use of Suboxone.

Studies have consistently shown an increased risk of dental conditions like cavities, tooth erosion, and gum problems in individuals taking Suboxone, in contrast to individuals on different opioid addiction therapies.

The root of these dental issues lies in the acidic composition of Suboxone; as it dissolves in the mouth, in can erode tooth enamel, leading to deteriorated oral health and potential oral infections.

Scientific research on the dental health effects of Suboxone include:

  1. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin: Dental adverse effects of sublingual buprenorphine and naloxone
  2. University of British Columbia: Association Between Sublingual Buprenorphine-Naloxone Exposure and Dental Disease
  3. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics: Induction of Opioid-Dependent Individuals Onto Buprenorphine and Buprenorphine/Naloxone Soluble-Films
  4. Expert Opinion on Drug Safety: Sublingual/Buccal buprenorphine and dental problems: a pharmacovigilance study
  5. Reactions Weekly: Buprenorphine/naloxone Dental caries: case report

Do You Qualify for the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

Dental problems arising from taking Suboxone can be profoundly challenging for those affected, significantly impacting their oral health and overall quality of life.

Dental issues often require extensive and costly dental treatments, adding a burden to the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced by the individuals.

The high cost of addressing these dental issues can be financially overwhelming, particularly for those already grappling with the challenges of opioid addiction recovery, making it difficult for some to afford the necessary care.

If you have suffered tooth decay, tooth loss, or other dental problems after taking 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 if you qualify to file a Suboxone Lawsuit instantly.

Suboxone Lawyers can help victims of dental issues throughout the legal process, helping them gather evidence and assess damages.

Gathering Evidence for Suboxone Lawsuits

Evidence is extremely important in personal injury and product liability cases.

An experienced lawyer can help you gather and retain crucial evidence, but this is a step of the legal process you can begin on your own.

Potential evidence in Suboxone Lawsuits may include:

  • Medical records
  • Dental health records
  • Documentation showing you were prescribed Suboxone
  • X-ray images of damaged teeth
  • Photos and videos
  • Any other evidence documenting Suboxone use and subsequent dental health problems

Assessing Damages in Suboxone Lawsuits

Damages refer to the total amount of losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of using Suboxone and developing dental problems.

An experienced lawyer will work with you to determine and calculate damages relevant in your case.

Potential damages in Suboxone Lawsuits may include:

  • Medical bills (past, present, & future)
  • Dental bills
  • Lost wages or earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost quality of life
  • Permanent disability
  • Emotional damages
  • Other potential compensatory and punitive damages

TruLaw: Investigating the Suboxone Tooth Decay Litigation

Our law firm is currently investigating the Suboxone Lawsuit and identifying strategies to help those who have suffered take action and seek justice.

Scientific research has confirmed that individuals who take Suboxone are at an increased risk to suffer tooth decay and other major dental risks.

Suboxone Lawsuits are currently being filed to address these issues.

If you or a loved one suffered severe tooth decay, worsening dental health, or dental injuries after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to file a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit.

Contact TruLaw for a free consultation to find out if you qualify for the Suboxone Lawsuit.

Use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify to file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who are the People Filing Suboxone Lawsuits?

    The people filing Suboxone lawsuits are diverse and include patients who were prescribed Suboxone for opioid dependence treatment or pain management.

    Individuals filing lawsuits have suffered from severe dental problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss, and allege that the drug’s manufacturers failed to warn about these risks adequately.

  • What Are the Main Allegations in the Suboxone Lawsuits?

    The lawsuits primarily allege that the manufacturers of Suboxone were negligent in failing to warn users about the risk of severe dental decay and injuries associated with the drug.

    Plaintiffs claim that the companies knew, or should have known, about the drug’s potential to cause dental problems due to its acidic nature, but did not provide adequate warnings or instructions to prevent such harm.

  • What Types of Compensation Are Plaintiffs Seeking in the Suboxone Lawsuit?

    Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for various damages, including the cost of dental treatments required to address the injuries caused by the drug, such as fillings, root canals, and implants.

    Plaintiffs may also be seeking damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related expenses incurred as a result of the dental injuries.

    For insight on your case and what damages you may be entitled to, contact our law firm for a free consultation.

  • Is There a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?

    No, there is not a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit.

    Suboxone Tooth Decay cases are poised to be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), a special legal procedure designed to handle claims from individuals who have suffered injuries from the same products or events.

    Some law firms use the terms “Suboxone Class Action Lawsuits” or “Suboxone Class Action MDL” to refer to the Suboxone Lawsuit, but these terms are incorrect.

    Visit this page for updates on the Suboxone Lawsuit as they become available.

Written By:
Jessie Paluch
Jessie Paluch

Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!

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