The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has mandated the consolidation of more than a dozen Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio.
Allegations from Suboxone lawsuits suggest that the drug’s sublingual formula, characterized by its high acidity, can lead to dental complications like tooth decay, erosion, and loss. Plaintiffs argue that drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about these risks, as outlined in their complaints.
The motion to centralize the lawsuits was initiated by plaintiffs’ attorneys in November 2023, impacting 15 cases spread across five districts initially. Following deliberation, the federal panel entrusted Judge J. Phillip Calabrese with overseeing the litigation, despite his lack of prior MDL experience. Plaintiffs’ lawyers expressed satisfaction with this decision, highlighting Judge Calabrese’s reputation as a competent and esteemed jurist.
Trent B. Miracle, a partner at the law firm of Flint Cooper and a pioneer in Suboxone litigation, welcomed the panel’s choice, citing his confidence in Judge Calabrese’s ability to handle the complex nature of the case. With the order issued on February 2, 2024, the number of cases in the newly formed MDL has risen to 26, reflecting the growing scope and significance of the legal proceedings.
Suboxone Lawsuits: Allegations of Inadequate Warning Regarding Tooth Decay Risk
Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, received FDA approval in 2002 as a treatment to assist individuals recovering from opioid addiction in managing withdrawal symptoms during therapy. Initially available in tablet form, drug manufacturers later introduced the Suboxone sublingual film formulation, designed to dissolve beneath the tongue.
The ongoing lawsuits surrounding Suboxone highlight complex issues regarding its potential to induce dental erosion and decay, particularly with the sublingual film variant used in opiate addiction treatment. Plaintiffs across these legal actions argue that drug makers deliberately formulated Suboxone film to possess acidity, resulting in dental complications upon dissolution in the mouth. Notably, Suboxone was previously solely offered in ingestible tablet form.
Quoting from the panel’s order, “These actions share complex factual questions arising from the alleged propensity of Suboxone film, which is used for the treatment of opiate addiction, to cause dental erosion and decay. Plaintiffs in all actions allege that defendants designed Suboxone film to be acidic, which they claim leads to dental erosion and decay when the film is dissolved in the mouth.” Moreover, plaintiffs assert that drug manufacturers were aware of this risk but failed to provide adequate warning regarding Suboxone film’s potential to harm teeth.
Impact of Suboxone-Related Tooth Loss on Physical and Mental Well-Being
The repercussions of tooth loss due to Suboxone use extend beyond mere dental concerns, affecting both physical health and mental well-being. For some Suboxone users, the financial burden associated with dental treatments can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
Former addicts, having triumphed over addiction, find themselves grappling with the distressing aftermath of tooth loss, which significantly impacts their physical and psychological state. Expressing her experience, one Suboxone user, identified as D.S. to safeguard her privacy, shared her ordeal with Drugwatch.
Having relied on Suboxone for years, D.S. expressed profound regret upon realizing the toll it took on her dental health. Reflecting on her past pride in maintaining healthy teeth, she now finds herself grappling with numerous cavities and the loss of several teeth, a development that has contributed to her developing depression and social withdrawal.
The emotional toll of tooth loss is exacerbated for D.S. due to her professional obligations, which entail regular interaction with others. The fear of facing individuals without teeth has intensified her anxiety and further diminished her confidence.
In response to the escalating dental costs and the adverse effects on their lives, many Suboxone users, including D.S., contemplate legal action against the drug manufacturers to seek compensation for their damages. However, while plaintiffs’ attorneys diligently investigate these claims, the legal proceedings are still in their nascent stages.
Given the constraints imposed by statutes of limitations, individuals impacted by Suboxone-induced tooth loss are urged to promptly seek legal counsel to safeguard their rights and explore avenues for recourse. Trent B. Miracle, a representative for the plaintiffs, expresses his commitment to advocating for justice on behalf of all Suboxone claimants, emphasizing the imperative of addressing their grievances in a court of law.
