The Suboxone lawsuit alleges that the drug causes severe tooth decay and other dental problems. It claims that the manufacturers, Indivior and Reckitt Benckiser, failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers of this major risk. Individual lawsuits against Suboxone from across the United States have been merged into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).
Have you experienced severe side effects from Suboxone? Contact us today to discuss your situation and potential legal options.
This Lawsuit Is Active
Key Takeaways
- The Suboxone lawsuit claims the drug causes severe dental issues. Plaintiffs argue that the makers failed to warn users about these risks.
- Individual Suboxone dental lawsuits across the U.S. are being merged into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) to streamline pretrial processes.
- Studies and FDA reports support dental damage claims.
Recent 2024 Suboxone Lawsuit Update
This is the latest 2024 Suboxone lawsuit update:
July 11, 2024 – Potential Tolling Agreement in Suboxone Lawsuit
The Suboxone lawsuit might see a tolling agreement soon. Tolling agreements stop the clock on filing deadlines. This means plaintiffs won’t have to rush to file lawsuits.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Suboxone Lawsuit
The Suboxone lawsuit involves claims from individuals who had severe dental issues after taking the drug. They claim that the makers did not warn enough about the 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 say the companies favored profits over safety by not giving enough information.
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
The plaintiffs claim that long-term usage of Suboxone film causes severe dental decay. They quote some case reports and expert statements to support the claims. Finally, some expert opinions say that the acidic property of the film causes damage to teeth. Some patients had bouts of dental decay at an alarming rate when they had no history of such issues.
Description of Dental Health Claims
Patients report various dental injuries after using Suboxone. These include:
- Cavities
- Tooth loss
- Enamel erosion
Many users needed in-depth dental treatments, such as root canals, crowns, or extractions.
Impact of Lawsuits on Patients and Industry
Such lawsuits may change the future behavior of pharma companies. They may also improve patient safety protocols. Companies will need to warn patients about possible dental dangers. Increased patient awareness will promote proactive dental care. Litigation also highlights the need for better communication of drug side effects by doctors.
Is there a Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?
There is no Suboxone class action lawsuit now. 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 an MDL. This process brings together individual lawsuits with common 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, a medication used to treat opioid addiction, has been linked to severe dental issues. This includes tooth decay, cavities, tooth loss, and enamel erosion. Medical research and FDA reports highlight the potential for these adverse effects.
Evidence Supporting Tooth Decay Claims
Several scientific studies and clinical trials support claims of tooth decay linked to Suboxone use. Key findings include:
This report highlighted a patient who had severe dental decay after prolonged Suboxone use.
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.
Adverse event reports from the FDA have noted many cases of dental problems associated with the use of Suboxone sublingual film.
These studies provide evidence to support the claim that Suboxone might lead to dental damage.
Manufacturer Stated Side Effects
The maker of Suboxone, Indivior, lists several side effects that patients should watch for. 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.
May 2024
May 14, 2024: Defense counsel opposed the plaintiffs’ proposed tolling discovery agreement. They argued that the deal did not serve the interests of the defendants. The defense claimed it was likely to result in poorly probed claims. This is because collecting medical records quickly is difficult to do.
May 3, 2024: The MDL court scheduled a virtual interim status conference for May 14, 2024. They also scheduled an in-person meeting for June 6, 2024. The topics for those conferences will be protective orders, tolling issues, and procedural motions.
April 2024
April 19, 2024: Indivior expressed that the MDL should focus on general causation over specific causation. They highlighted the complexity of proving Suboxone directly caused dental issues.
April 4, 2024: MonoSol, before being named in some Suboxone claims, was dismissed from the litigation.
March 2024
March 27, 2024: The MDL judge issued Case Management Order (CMO) No. 3. It outlined direct filing and service procedures within the MDL.
March 26, 2024: Discussions began about the severity of dental injuries necessary to support a claim. Criteria varied among law firms.
March 19, 2024: CMO No. 3 was issued. It detailed procedures for filing Suboxone lawsuits directly into the MDL.
March 12, 2024: Defendants filed corporate disclosures as required by federal rules.
March 7, 2024: The initial status conference for the Suboxone lawsuit took place. Leadership counsel was appointed, and organizational procedures were discussed.
March 5, 2024: The total number of cases in the MDL reached 51, with rapid growth expected.
February 2024
MDL Consolidation: The panel combined 15 Suboxone tooth decay cases into one MDL in Ohio.
January 2024
MDL Hearing Scheduled: The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation scheduled a hearing on January 25, 2024, to consider consolidating 15 lawsuits related to Suboxone tooth decay claims.
December 2023
MDL Consideration Announcement: The panel will decide on merging 15 Suboxone cases into one MDL in January 2024.
November 2023
Centralization Request: Lawyers asked to combine all federal Suboxone lawsuits into one MDL.
New Lawsuits Filed: Fourteen new Suboxone tooth decay cases were filed in Ohio.
October 2023
Major Settlement: Indivior agreed to pay $385 million to settle Suboxone lawsuits filed by drug wholesalers.
September 2023
New Individual Lawsuit: David Sorensen sued Indivior and others for tooth damage from Suboxone.
August 2023
Major Settlement: Indivior agreed to pay $385 million to settle wholesaler lawsuits.
April 2023
FTC Payments to Consumers: The FTC paid around $369,000 to consumers in Suboxone class-action lawsuits who missed the deadline.
January 2022
FDA Warning: The FDA announced that it had received reports of dental problems caused by buprenorphine medicines that dissolve in the mouth, such as Suboxone. A new warning was added to the drug’s prescribing information and patient medication guide.
Legal Scrutiny Over Suboxone Side Effects
The Science Behind Suboxone and Legal Implications
Suboxone has 2 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. The acidic nature of Suboxone can allegedly harm tooth enamel over time. This is claimed to lead to tooth decay and additional dental issues. 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
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.
What Settlements Could Mean for Affected Parties
Settlements in Suboxone lawsuits could set precedents for future claims. For affected parties, settlements might provide compensation for dental treatments. Large settlements may prompt policy changes. They could lead to stricter oversight of pharma labeling and marketing. This could improve patient safety long term.
How much will I get from the Suboxone settlement?
There is currently no settlement for the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, as the cases are still in the early stages of litigation. The amount you could receive, if any, will depend on future settlements that could take a few years to play out. For now, the litigation is ongoing, with no specific payouts determined.
How to Join the Suboxone Lawsuit in 2024
How to Join the Suboxone Lawsuit
To join the Suboxone lawsuit in 2024, follow these steps:
- Contact Winder Law Firm: Fill out the form below for a free case evaluation.
- Gather Records: Collect proof of your Suboxone prescription and dental records.
- File a Claim: Work with Winder Law Firm to file your claim and join the existing MDL.
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 linking your dental issues to Suboxone use
What to Expect When Filing a Suboxone Lawsuit
When you file a Suboxone lawsuit, here’s what to expect:
- First Consultation: You start by meeting with us for a free and confidential case review. We consider how Suboxone has harmed your dental health.
- Case Prep: We help you gather all the needed documents. This includes medical and dental records plus evidence of side effects.
- Navigating the Process: We manage the initial filings and oversee the legal processes. You’ll be kept informed throughout the entire process.
- Continued Support: Winder Law Firm is 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, contact Winder Law Firm below for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit if you qualify.
Resources for Tooth Decay Patients
Here are some resources for dental care and patient advocacy:
- American Dental Association (ADA): ADA website
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR): NIDCR website
FAQs About the Suboxone Lawsuit
Can I still apply for the Suboxone lawsuit in 2024?
Yes, you can still apply for the Suboxone lawsuit in 2024 if you are eligible. Contact us to discuss your eligibility.
Is there a lawsuit against Suboxone?
Yes, there is a lawsuit against Suboxone related to severe dental issues.
What are the Suboxone lawsuits about?
The lawsuits claim Suboxone causes severe dental problems and that the manufacturer failed to warn users.
Who is eligible to file a Suboxone lawsuit?
Individuals who have used Suboxone and suffered from dental issues such as tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss may be eligible.
How much does a Suboxone lawyer cost?
Many lawyers, including those at Winder Law Firm, work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless you win your case.
Who makes Suboxone?
Suboxone is made by Indivior, a pharma company.
Does Suboxone cause tooth decay?
Probably, Suboxone has been allegedly linked to tooth decay and other dental issues.
Can Suboxone cause cancer?
There is no current evidence linking Suboxone to cancer. The primary concern is its impact on dental health.
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