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Suboxone Lawsuit

Suffering From Strong Tooth Pain

Suboxone is a prescription medication that has helped many people recover from addiction to opioids like heroin and oxycodone. It can reduce the risk of fatal overdose by nearly 50% when taken as part of a medication-assisted treatment program (MAT).

While Suboxone can help you get clean from opioid use, it may also cause lasting dental issues that leave you with costly dental bills, chronic pain, and a reduced quality of life. The manufacturers of the medication have been named in ongoing Suboxone and tooth decay lawsuits, seeking to hold them responsible for failing to warn customers of its side effects.

If you suffered from tooth decay, cavities, or oral infections due to Suboxone use, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Our product liability attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. can meet with you to review your situation and help you file a claim for damages.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication used to treat problems with opioid use disorder. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which help the patient reduce cravings and prevent misuse.

Buprenorphine can help minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms by partially activating the same brain receptors as other opioids but in a milder way. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids and helps prevent misuse.

Suboxone usually comes as a film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek, making it easy to take. Once placed in the mouth, you must avoid drinking or eating and wait until the film has completely dissolved.

Injuries and Complications from Suboxone Use

Many people have suffered dental injuries and complications due to Suboxone use. Studies as far back as 2013 show that sublingual buprenorphine has a pH of 3.4. This is highly acidic, comparable to vinegar or orange juice. This high acidity has led to the following issues:

  • Dental erosion. Suboxone’s high acidity can gradually wear away the protective enamel on teeth. Without this protective layer, teeth become more susceptible to damage, staining, and decay.
  • Tooth decay. The acidic environment created by Suboxone use can promote the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria produce acids that further break down tooth enamel, leading to cavities and tooth decay.
  • Cavities. The combination of enamel erosion and increased bacterial activity can result in the formation of cavities. These small holes in the teeth can cause pain and, if left untreated, lead to more severe dental problems. Oral buprenorphine may be responsible for excess Streptococcus mutans, contributing to dental caries.
  • Gum disease. The acidity can irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed and swollen. Over time, this can lead to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and bones supporting the teeth.
  • Tooth sensitivity. As the enamel wears away and teeth decay, the underlying dentin becomes exposed. This exposure can cause increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods and beverages, making eating and drinking uncomfortable.
  • Tooth loss. Severe tooth decay and advanced gum disease can cause significant damage to teeth and their supporting structures. If left untreated, this can ultimately lead to the loss of affected teeth.

Basis for Suboxone Lawsuits

Suboxone dental lawsuits primarily target Indivior, the drug’s manufacturer. They allege that the company failed to warn patients and healthcare providers about the drug’s potential to cause serious dental problems due to its high acidity.

Plaintiffs in these legal actions argue that Indivior’s failure to disclose the acidity of Suboxone and its damaging effects breaches product liability laws, including failure to warn and negligence. They claim that Indivior, along with its former parent company Reckitt Benckiser, and Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., the exclusive manufacturer of the sublingual film, knew or should have known about the risks of dental side effects from Suboxone. However, they did not adequately inform users, a step that could have prevented the injuries sustained.

Victims are seeking compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain, and suffering. If you suffered tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, or an oral infection after using Suboxone, contact the product liability lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C.

Our team can walk you through filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit and help you obtain compensation for the harm, pain, and suffering using the drug has caused you.

Current Legal Landscape for Suboxone Damage Claims

As of May 2024, numerous Suboxone tooth decay cases against Indivior are still ongoing. Here’s a brief overview of the timeline and current legal situation:

  • September 25, 2023: David Sorensen filed the initial tooth decay lawsuit. The case is now referred to as Sorensen v. Indivior, Inc., et al.
  • November 23, 2023: 14 new federal Suboxone lawsuits were filed against Indivior since Sorensen v. Indivior, for a total of 15 pending cases. Most cases were filed in the Northern District of Ohio. Other cases were filed in North Dakota, Illinois, and Georgia.
  • February 2, 2024: The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ordered the consolidation of all 15 tooth decay lawsuits against Indivior. The cases have been transferred to a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio under Judge Philip Calabrese.
  • March 25, 2024: Judge Calabrese announces Case Management Order #3. It allows new victims to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit directly into MDL 3092.
  • May 11, 2024: The number of pending cases in the Suboxone tooth decay MDL has grown to 205, up from just 40 in April.

The MDL is expected to move quickly in June 2024. The manufacturer printed the last changes to Suboxone’s warning label in June 2022. This means that victims in states with a 2-year statute of limitation have until June 17, 2024 to file a Suboxone tooth decay claim or lawsuit. Although a Michigan resident has a 3-year statute of limitations, the recommendation is to file within the 2-year statute of limitations based upon Michigan’s case law that the accrual date for a product liability action arises when all the elements of the claim have occurred regardless of when the victim discovers the right to sue.

How MDL Suboxone Lawsuits Work

MDL cases differ from class action lawsuits and standard personal injury cases. Understanding the process can help you prepare and know what to expect if you file a claim as part of the Suboxone MDL.

  • Step 1: Initial consultation and case evaluation. Meet with a product liability attorney who has experience with MDL cases. Bring all relevant medical records, proof of Suboxone use, and documentation of side effects. The attorney will assess the eligibility of your case for inclusion in the MDL.
  • Step 2: Filing your lawsuit. If your case is eligible, your attorney will file a complaint in a district court. Even if your case is filed in a different location, it may be transferred to the central MDL court, where cases against Suboxone are consolidated.
  • Pretrial proceedings and discovery. Once part of the MDL, your case will undergo coordinated pretrial proceedings. This includes pooling resources for discovery—gathering evidence, expert testimonies, and conducting depositions—that applies to all cases within the MDL.
  • Bellwether trials. A few cases, known as bellwether trials, are selected for trial first. These trials test arguments and gauge jury reactions, which can influence settlements for all related cases in the MDL. No Suboxone trial dates have been set yet for bellwether trials.
  • Settlement negotiations. Depending on the outcomes of the bellwether trials, settlement negotiations may begin. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf, aiming to secure compensation based on the severity of your side effects and the strength of your evidence.
  • Opting out or going to trial. If you choose not to settle, you can opt out of the MDL and pursue your lawsuit independently in your local jurisdiction. Your case may go to trial within the MDL structure if no settlement is reached.

Who is Eligible for a Suboxone Lawsuit?

If you have been prescribed Suboxone and suffered dental or oral injuries afterward, you may qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. Here’s what to consider:

  • Proof of Suboxone use. You must have proof that you used or were prescribed Suboxone in its sublingual film form. Examples include packaging, copies of doctors’ prescriptions, or medical records recommending Suboxone for opioid addiction treatment.
  • Documented injuries. You must have documented evidence of oral injuries commonly associated with Suboxone, such as cavities, cracked or broken teeth, or gingivitis.
  • Evidence of damage. You have evidence of physical, emotional, and financial damages due to complications from using Suboxone. This can include medical bills, pay stubs from missed work or a personal journal documenting your injuries and recovery.
  • Proof of insufficient warnings. You can demonstrate that your Suboxone packaging or instructions did not warn or inform you adequately of the tooth damage risks.
  • Timing between use and injury. You must be able to prove that your dental injuries or infections occurred while using Suboxone or shortly after.

Dental treatment

Suboxone Settlement Amounts

Your Suboxone lawsuit for tooth decay settlement should reflect the entire scope of damages suffered. Our Suboxone lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., will calculate your Suboxone tooth decay settlement based on the following:

  • Severity of your injuries. The more severe and extensive your injuries, the more likely you will recover higher compensation. We will consider factors such as the number of damaged teeth, the type and severity of infections, and whether the damage is permanent.
  • Medical costs. Treating dental injuries is often expensive. Our attorneys will factor in the costs of implants, crowns, extractions, fillings, and other dental treatments needed after using Suboxone. We’ll also include the cost of any associated prescription medication, such as painkillers or antibiotics.
  • Lost wages and future earning potential. Severe dental injuries or infections may have caused you to miss work, require work adjustments, or even result in termination. Our attorneys will assess all lost income due to the injuries and include them in your claim.
  • Mental and emotional distress. Tooth decay and damage can cause extreme pain and suffering, preventing you from enjoying daily activities. We can evaluate the impact of these injuries and put a dollar amount on the pain, suffering, and distress you experienced.

What to Do If You Experience Side Effects from Suboxone Use

If you experience side effects from Suboxone, taking strategic action can protect your health and potential legal claims. Here’s what to do if you suspect Suboxone has caused oral health issues:

  • Document your symptoms and treatment.
    • Immediately start a daily log of your symptoms, noting the onset, duration, and intensity. For instance, if you experience tooth sensitivity or pain, record each occurrence and how it affects your eating or sleeping habits.
    • Save all medical prescriptions, receipts for medications taken to alleviate symptoms, and a record of all doctor or dentist visits.
  • Seek specialized medical evaluation.
    • Visit a dentist familiar with pharmaceutical side effects for a thorough examination. Request a detailed report that outlines their findings directly or indirectly related to Suboxone use, such as enamel erosion or cavities.
  • Secure photographic evidence.
    • Take clear, dated photos of visible symptoms, like tooth damage or mouth sores, to use as evidence of physical manifestations of the side effects.
  • Preserve all evidence.
    • Keep all original packaging of the Suboxone medication, written instructions provided with the prescription, and correspondence with any healthcare providers about Suboxone.
  • Contact a product liability attorney.
    • Speak with an attorney from Cochran, Kroll, & Associates, P.C., who has experience with pharmaceutical lawsuits. During your initial consultation, bring all your documented evidence and medical reports. Discuss the specifics of your case, including any long-term impacts on your health and daily life.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

The experienced lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., have handled numerous other product liability cases. We can use our knowledge and experience to help you secure the highest possible compensation for your Suboxone tooth loss lawsuit.

  • Case evaluation. When discussing your case during your free initial consultation, our team will assess your eligibility for compensation. We can review your medical records and establish a strong link between Suboxone use and the injuries you received.
  • Evidence gathering. Your attorney can help you collect all the evidence and documentation needed to build your case. Our senior partner, Eileen Kroll, has extensive experience as a registered nurse and a medical malpractice attorney.
    Eileen can help you collect and assess complex medical records and consult with dental experts to prove your damages and tie them to Suboxone use for a judge or jury.
  • Filing assistance. We handle all legal paperwork, provide advice and assistance, and help you file your Suboxone lawsuit within the statute of limitations in Michigan.
  • Negotiations and representation. After filing your case, our team can represent you in negotiations or mediation with the defendant or try your case in court. We have the experience necessary to win your case at trial and help you get a favorable verdict.
  • Constant communication. At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we believe in always keeping you informed so you can make the best decisions. Our team will update you on any progress or changes regarding the case.

Get a Free Consultation with a Suboxone Attorney Today

The team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. stands behind victims of Suboxone tooth decay injuries. If you have been injured or experienced tooth damage or infections after using Suboxone, our personal injury lawyers are ready to represent you and protect your right to compensation in a Suboxone lawsuit.

Our contingency fee basis means we only get paid if we win your case, so there is no financial risk to you to get started. Call our law firm today at 1-866-MICH-LAW and schedule your no-obligation, free case evaluation.

FAQs

How does Suboxone cause tooth decay?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a highly acidic compound. The film version of Suboxone, designed to be administered under the tongue, allows bacteria to build up, resulting in cavities. Long-term use of Suboxone can result in severe or permanent tooth damage.

Did the government issue a warning on Suboxone?

Yes. In January 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning regarding all oral medicines containing buprenorphine. The agency required all manufacturers to update their products’ prescribing information to warn of the risk of dental problems.

Who is liable in a Suboxone lawsuit?

According to the existing lawsuits, the manufacturer of Suboxone, Indivior, Inc., may be liable for dental injuries following the drug’s use. The lawsuits allege that Indivior failed to provide adequate warning of tooth decay risks despite the 2022 FDA warning making it a requirement.

How much does it cost to file a Suboxone lawsuit?

Our Suboxone lawsuit lawyers at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay us if we win a settlement or damages.

How do I participate in the Suboxone tooth decay litigation?

Reach out to the product liability attorneys at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., today. Our team will review your case, determine your eligibility, and guide you through the process. If you are eligible for a lawsuit, we’ll help you join the ongoing multidistrict litigation.

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