Patients who used Suboxone sublingual film or tablets to manage opioid addiction have reported issues with severe dental damage, including cavities, dental erosion, tooth decay, tooth loss, and more. Lawsuits against Aquestive Therapeutics, Indivior, and related entities claim that Suboxone distributors and manufacturers knew about the potential risk of tooth decay and failed to warn doctors and patients.
Victims of Suboxone-related dental decay may have grounds to pursue compensation for medical treatment, dental care, and other damages. If you suffered oral issues after using Suboxone, contact Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC to discuss how our mass torts attorneys can help. We offer free consultations.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a sublingual tablet or film that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. The drug is designed to be placed under the tongue or against the inside of the cheek and allowed to dissolve.
Doctors prescribe Suboxone to patients recovering from opioid addiction. The drug works by curbing the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder and reducing the chances of a relapse. Over time, doctors may reduce Suboxone dosage, but it is intended as an ongoing and sometimes indefinite treatment.
Why Are People Suing for Suboxone Tooth Decay?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a warning in 2022 about dental problems reported by patients taking buprenorphine products dissolved in the mouth, like Suboxone sublingual products. These effects were reported even in patients with no history of dental issues.
The product raises the risk of dental decay by lowering the mouth’s pH levels as it dissolves, creating an acidic environment detrimental to tooth enamel. Additionally, buprenorphine can reduce saliva production and increase sugar cravings, which further increase the risk of dental problems and decay.
Lawsuits against the manufacturers of Suboxone indicate that the makers were aware or should have been aware that buprenorphine-containing products dissolved in the mouth could cause dental issues.
According to legal complaints, Suboxone manufacturers and distributors could have prevented significant dental issues, including severe tooth decay, by posting a warning on the label. With the right information, doctors and patients might have been able to take precautions to reduce or prevent negative dental effects.
What Damages Could I Recover in a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?
Severe tooth decay from Suboxone use can have devastating consequences for a patient’s physical, mental, and financial health. Victims of Suboxone dental problems report the following issues:
- Pain, discomfort, and infection
- Abscess and root damage
- Tooth loss
- Inability to eat certain foods
- Disfigurement and humiliation
- Diminished income capacity
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment
- Emotional and mental distress
A Suboxone lawsuit helps those injured by Suboxone tooth decay recover compensation for the negative effects of the drug. The first lawsuit for this case was filed in September 2023, but more and more plaintiffs filed lawsuits across the country.
Due to the high number of legal complaints filed by Suboxone patients with dental decay, the cases were consolidated in the Northern District of Ohio under multidistrict litigation (MDL 3092) in February 2024.
How Much is a Suboxone Lawsuit Settlement?
Every Suboxone case settlement differs depending on the severity of your injuries and losses. Victims with more extensive damage will typically receive higher settlements than those who suffered minimal injury. However, settlements can be highly subjective, so you benefit from speaking with a mass torts lawyer before you proceed.
How Do I Join the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?
To begin the legal process, reach out to a personal injury law firm in your area with experience handling mass tort claims. For more than 85 years, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been dedicated to helping injured victims understand their legal rights and pursue fair compensation against giant corporations and pharmaceutical companies. A knowledgeable legal team can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
An attorney will review your case details, noting when you began taking Suboxone and the dental problems you experienced afterward. If your case moves forward, legal professionals will begin gathering evidence, such as medical records and prescription history. With this information, a strong case for damages can be built, and a lawsuit can be filed on your behalf.
How Long Do I Have to File a Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit?
Since the FDA warning about buprenorphine medications and their link to tooth decay in 2022, the manufacturers were required to update warning labels to indicate this side effect. To file a lawsuit against the manufacturer, you must file a claim before the statute of limitations runs out.
The statute may differ depending on your location and circumstances. A lawyer can explain which statutes and deadlines may apply to your claim and help you file within the appropriate time frame.
Why Partner With a Law Firm for My Suboxone Tooth Decay Case?
For more than 85 years, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has been committed to fighting for the rights of injured individuals. With a long-standing reputation for advocating on behalf of those harmed by negligence, the firm is dedicated to helping people understand their legal rights and find the right legal representation to seek justice.
Navigating a lawsuit while dealing with the effects of an injury can be overwhelming. A law firm that prioritizes client support can help provide clarity and guidance throughout the legal process. Ensuring that individuals are informed and supported at every stage is essential to easing the stress that comes with seeking justice.
Seeking legal help means finding a team that is dedicated to advocating for your best interests. A firm with a strong commitment to personal attention and strategic litigation ensures that cases are handled with the diligence and care they deserve. The right legal professionals work to hold responsible parties accountable and pursue fair compensation for those harmed.
How Can a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawyer Help With My Claim?
Filing a Suboxone dental injury claim can be complicated. You must be able to prove that you took Suboxone before June of 2022. In addition, you must have documentation to show that your dental health suffered after you began taking the drug.
A law firm can help you compile the necessary documentation, including prescriptions, medical testimony, X-rays and other imaging, treatment records, and other medical documentation. In addition, they secure evidence to show how the tooth decay caused by Suboxone use affected your health, financial stability, and quality of life.
While you focus on recovering from your injuries, a mass tort attorney will manage every aspect of your Suboxone claim, including:
- Answering calls, emails, and letters related to your case
- Responding to document requests
- Representing you in negotiations, hearings, cross-examinations, and other legal proceedings
- Staying ahead of recent developments and research that may affect your claim
- Consulting with medical care providers, dental professionals, pharmaceutical experts, and other specialists
- Keeping you updated on the status of your case and answering all your questions
Personal injury claims are already complicated, but mass tort cases are especially complex. You deserve representation that can relive some of your burdens while you focus on healing.
Contact a Mass Torts Attorney Today to Discuss Your Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
If you suffer from severe tooth decay and other dental issues after taking Suboxone, you don’t have to face the pharmaceutical companies alone. Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC’s dedicated personal injury lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.