Suboxone’s Hidden Cost: Tooth Decay Lawsuit
Suboxone is a medication, often prescribed in film form rather than a tablet, that assists individuals battling opioid addiction by making it easier for them to stop using harmful opioid drugs. It functions similarly to other opiates but in a manner that does not induce a “high” sensation. This can diminish cravings and withdrawal symptoms, facilitating recovery from opioid dependence or addiction by binding to the same brain regions as opioids.
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.
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 Meyer Wilson 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 reach out to us via phone for a free consultation.
A Rise in Legal Actions Concerning Suboxone and Dental Issues
Currently there are hundreds of pending lawsuits related to Suboxone and tooth decay in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio. With hundreds of thousands of individuals using Suboxone for opioid use disorder treatment and experiencing dental issues, this number is expected to rise further.
The surge in these lawsuits is likely due to an increasing awareness of the potential link between Suboxone and tooth decay. As the drug gains popularity for treating opioid addiction, more users are noticing severe and substantial dental problems during check-ups, particularly in the context of the ongoing national opioid epidemic.
The lawsuits allege that Indivior, Inc., the manufacturer of Suboxone, failed to adequately warn users about the potential dental hygiene issues until adding a warning label in 2022. With the accumulation of these lawsuits, Indivior may face liability for not properly informing consumers about the risks of severe tooth decay and other oral health problems associated with Suboxone use.
There is evidence to suggest that these companies making Suboxone were aware of the potential risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss associated with the medication.
Indivior’s Controversial History as an Alleged Wrongdoer
Indivior, a pharmaceutical company, reached a $385 million settlement in October to resolve a series of lawsuits accusing 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 multiple U.S. states for the monetary damages incurred through state-based healthcare programs. Additionally, in August, they agreed to pay $30 million to settle a similar class action lawsuit by health insurance companies.
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 the new—and still Indivior-owned—films were more effective and convenient for users, making them a better choice than the tablets.
Indivior settled without admitting any wrongdoing and concluded nearly ten years of constant litigation. However, it was later discovered that they failed to warn patients that Suboxone can cause possible tooth decay—whether or not it was caused by allegedly rushing to maintain their monopoly.
Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits
Why are People Filing Suboxone Lawsuits?
One of the biggest issues linked to Suboxone is severe tooth decay, resulting in numerous cavities and damaging teeth, often leading to emotional distress. The majority of cases are potential tooth decay lawsuits.
Tooth Erosion and Tooth Decay
Suboxone use might erode tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to:
- Cavities
- Dental caries
- Dental crowns or crown replacement
- Tooth loss
- Dry Mouth
Some people on Suboxone experience dry mouth, leading to less saliva production. Saliva helps protect teeth and serves an extremely important role in dental health0, so less of it can mean more potential decay.
How to Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit
- You must have used prescribed Suboxone sublingual strips for at least six months.
- 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).
- You must have undergone routine dental care before using Suboxone so you have a record of your prior dental health.
Meyer Wilson’s Legal Efforts
Layne Hilton, Lead Counsel in Meyer Wilson’s Mass Torts practice, was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for the Suboxone Litigation. She has been involved in key discussions and decisions impacting the litigation, including in efforts to obtain discovery from the Defendants. Meyer Wilson is committed to holding the responsible parties accountable and securing justice for those affected by Suboxone Film.
Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for mass tort cases like the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit is a concern for many who took the medication years ago and are just now discovering the dental damage it caused.
The statute of limitations depends on the state you live in and the specific circumstances of your case. It is based on the window established by the statute for defective drug or product liability cases in your state, and whether your circumstances allow a lawyer to file a lawsuit even if the deadline has passed.
Many states’ statutes are expiring since Indivior added a warning to Suboxone film in June of 2022. Calling Meyer Wilson’s attorneys is the quickest way to determine if you can still file a Suboxone lawsuit.
