Suboxone Lawsuit

The Suboxone lawsuit involves claims from individuals who had severe dental issues after taking the drug. They claim the makers failed to provide adequate warnings about dental risks.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medicine used for maintaining opioid dependence treatment.

Suboxone combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine lessens the withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Naloxone is a deterrent to abusing opioids. The combo treats opioid dependence and misuse. Suboxone was approved by the FDA in 2002.

Suboxone can be part of a complete treatment plan, including counseling and support.

Overview of Claims Against Manufacturers

The essence of the Suboxone lawsuit claims that Indivior and Reckitt Benckiser didn’t warn about risks. The specific alleged risk is severe dental decay, among other problems. Plaintiffs allege the companies prioritized sales over adequate disclosure of dental risks.

Other legal claims include deceptive marketing and violations of consumer protection laws. Claims say the companies used misleading ads. The claims also say the companies didn’t share important information on Suboxone’s side effects. The claims say these practices put patients’ health at risk.

Suboxone Lawsuit Overview

Major Claims in the Suboxone Litigation

Lawsuits allege that Suboxone film contributed to serious dental issues. They cite case reports and expert statements in support of their allegations. Some researchers have suggested that the acidic nature of Suboxone may contribute to dental harm, though further study is needed.
The FDA has reported cases of serious dental problems in patients taking buprenorphine medicines, including those without prior dental issues.

Description of Dental Health Claims

Patients have reported dental issues during Suboxone treatment, according to FDA adverse event data. Some of these include:

• Cavities
• Tooth loss
• Enamel erosion

Many users required extensive dental treatments, including root canals, crowns, extractions, and treatment for enamel loss and oral infections.

Is there a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?

There is currently no Suboxone class action lawsuit. Many people wonder if the Suboxone lawsuits are part of a class action. These cases are not being handled as a class action lawsuit. Instead, they are part of a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in Ohio. MDLs merge individual lawsuits for more efficient pretrial proceedings.

Details on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

The individual Suboxone cases are now managed through a multidistrict litigation (MDL). This process brings together individual lawsuits with similar issues. This allows for streamlining of pretrial matters. The MDL allows for organized discovery and consistent rulings on common legal questions.

Unlike a class action, each plaintiff in an MDL maintains an individual lawsuit. This allows individuals to receive a personalized resolution based on their specific situations.

Suboxone Side Effects & Tooth Decay

Suboxone has been the subject of legal claims alleging it contributes to dental issues. This includes tooth decay, cavities, tooth loss, and enamel erosion. Some research and FDA reports have described adverse dental events in Suboxone users. 

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor about any health concerns.

Evidence Supporting Tooth Decay Claims

Several studies and case reports have been cited in claims linking Suboxone use to tooth decay. Key findings include:

• Harvard Medical School Case Report (2012). This report described a patient with severe dental decay following long-term Suboxone use. The authors noted a possible association but did not assess causation.

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital Case Series (2013). Researchers noted 11 patients with opioid dependence who suffered from worsening dental health after starting buprenorphine treatment. Issues included cavities, cracked teeth, and the need for root canals or extractions.

• FDA Reports. FDA adverse event reports have included dental complaints involving Suboxone sublingual film.

These studies have been cited in lawsuits alleging a link between Suboxone use and dental damage.

Manufacturer Stated Side Effects

The maker of Suboxone, Indivior, lists several side effects that patients should be aware of. Of course, most attention is given to the possibility of abuse and withdrawal symptoms, but there are others listed as well. According to the Suboxone website, these side effects are reported to include:

• Trouble breathing
• Sleepiness, dizziness, coordination problems
• Physical dependence or abuse
• Liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, light stools, loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, wheezing, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness)
• Opioid withdrawal (shaking, sweating, temperature sensitivity, runny nose, watery eyes, goosebumps, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches)
• Decrease in blood pressure (dizziness on standing)
• Headache 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Constipation
• Pain
• Increased sweating
• Insomnia
• Potential fertility effects in males and females.

Patients should consult their healthcare provider if they experience any dental issues while on the medication.

Key Legal Proceedings and Milestones

The Suboxone Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) has seen several significant milestones. These events highlight the progress of the litigation, from the merging of cases to key filings and rulings.

Legal Scrutiny Over Suboxone Side Effects

The Science Behind Suboxone and Legal Implications

Suboxone has two primary ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is what’s called a partial opioid agonist. Buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms by stimulating a person’s opioid receptors but without the full opioid effect. Then, Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, blocks the opioid effects. Patients take Suboxone by placing it under their tongues. 

Lawsuits allege that the acidic nature of Suboxone may play a role in dental problems such as enamel erosion and decay. Lawsuits allege that this may contribute to dental problems, including decay. This alleged mechanism is a core part of the legal claims against Suboxone.

Exploring the Ingredients in Suboxone

Suboxone contains two active ingredients:

• Buprenorphine: This ingredient helps manage opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Known side effects include dry mouth, which can contribute to dental problems.
• Naloxone: This ingredient blocks the effects of opioids and helps prevent misuse of Suboxone. While it primarily acts to deter abuse, it does not directly contribute to dental issues.

The focus on these ingredients in the lawsuit centers on buprenorphine’s side effects. This includes dry mouth, which can exacerbate dental decay.

Suboxone Settlement Information

Settlement Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.

Information on Past Settlements

To date, there have been several settlements related to Suboxone. Specific amounts and terms are not always public. One notable settlement occurred in 2023. Indivior agreed to pay $385 million to resolve lawsuits by drug wholesalers. These lawsuits claimed Indivior illegally suppressed generic competition for Suboxone.

How much will I get from the Suboxone settlement?

There is currently no settlement for Suboxone dental claims. If one is reached, compensation will vary based on individual case facts. The cases are still in the early stages of litigation. The amount you could receive, if any, will depend on future settlements. For now, the litigation is ongoing, with no specific payouts determined.

How to Join the Suboxone Lawsuit in 2025

How to Join the Suboxone Lawsuit

To join the Suboxone lawsuit in 2025, you may consider the following steps:

1. Contact an attorney. Fill out the form below for a free case evaluation. If eligible, a partner law firm may contact you to discuss your legal options.
2. Gather Records: Collect proof of your Suboxone prescription and dental records.
3. File a Claim: You may file independently or with the help of an attorney. Many choose to work with legal counsel to navigate the process.

Criteria for Eligibility

To join the Suboxone lawsuit, you must meet specific criteria:

• Proof of Suboxone prescription
• Documented dental issues such as tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss
• Medical records documenting your dental issues and history of Suboxone use

What to Expect When Filing a Suboxone Lawsuit

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

If your case is accepted, our partner firms may assist you in filing a Suboxone lawsuit. Here’s what to expect:

1. First Consultation: You start by meeting with your lawyer for a free and confidential case review. The attorney will consider whether your dental issues may be related to Suboxone use.
2. Case Preparation: Your attorney will assist you in gathering all the necessary documents. This includes medical and dental records, as well as evidence of side effects. 
3. Navigating the Process: Your attorney will manage the initial filings and oversee the legal processes. You’ll be kept informed throughout the entire process.
4. Continued Support: Winder Law Firm’s partners will be by your side throughout the process. We provide continuous support and updates.

Typical timelines can vary, but most cases progress through these stages over several months to a few years.

Consult a Suboxone Lawyer Today

If you have suffered dental issues after using Suboxone, fill out the form for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our legal partners can evaluate your claim and, when appropriate, refer you to partner firms for potential representation.