The realm of Suboxone, an opioid disorder treatment drug, has recently witnessed an emerging wave of lawsuits. These legal actions assert that Suboxone, while designed to alleviate opioid dependency, has led to a host of serious dental issues including tooth decay, oral infections, cavities, and even tooth loss. Claimants argue that the manufacturer, Indivior, failed in its responsibility to provide adequate warnings concerning these risks. In response, individuals are now pursuing compensation for the hardships they’ve endured. This article delves into the current status of Suboxone lawsuits, recent updates, the reasons behind these legal actions, and the role of lawyers in assisting those affected.
Current Status of Suboxone Lawsuits As of October 2023, Suboxone-related lawsuits pertaining to tooth decay are in their initial stages. Legal representatives specializing in Suboxone cases continue to accept and investigate claims. No court-approved settlements specifically addressing Suboxone-induced dental problems have been reported, and trial dates have yet to be scheduled.
Key Suboxone Lawsuit Updates
- October 2023: Indivior reached an agreement to pay $385 million to settle lawsuits initiated by drug wholesalers.
- September 2023: David Sorensen filed a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit against Indivior, Reckitt Benckisner, and other defendants due to the permanent damage to his teeth after Suboxone use, necessitating extensive dental work.
- August 2023: Indivior reached a $30 million settlement with healthcare plans, thereby resolving a federal antitrust lawsuit.
- April 2023: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) disclosed that it had disbursed approximately $369,000 to consumers who participated in Suboxone class-action lawsuits but had missed the initial deadline.
- January 2022: The FDA publicly acknowledged reports of dental problems associated with Suboxone and mandated a new warning in the drug’s prescribing information and patient medication guide.
Notably, there haven’t been any settlements directly addressing Suboxone-induced dental damage claims. However, in May 2021, the FTC secured a $60 million agreement to address false marketing allegations, resulting in the distribution of settlement payments to affected consumers.
Reasons for Filing Suboxone Lawsuits The motivation behind Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits stems from the severe dental problems experienced by individuals after using Suboxone. Claimants argue that Indivior was aware of or should have recognized these risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to both healthcare providers and consumers. The FDA, in a public warning dated January 12, 2022, recognized that medicines containing buprenorphine that dissolve in the mouth, such as Suboxone, could cause dental issues. These Suboxone films, which dissolve similarly to breath freshening strips, have led to dental complications.
Past Legal Context – Deceptive Marketing Claims Beyond the current wave of tooth-related lawsuits, Indivior has faced legal challenges related to deceptive marketing practices. In July 2019, Indivior pleaded guilty to felony charges linked to deceptive marketing and agreed to a $600 million settlement to resolve criminal and civil liabilities. The company was accused of misleading doctors and healthcare plans, falsely claiming that Suboxone was safer and less prone to abuse compared to similar drugs. In a related case, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Indivior Solutions had submitted false data to MassHealth in 2012, attempting to expand Medicaid coverage of Suboxone Film.
Moreover, Reckitt Benckiser, Indivior’s former parent company, reached a $1.4 billion settlement with the DOJ. In October 2019, Reckitt Benckiser also settled with six states for $700 million over improper marketing practices.
Qualifying for a Suboxone Lawsuit Individuals who have experienced dental problems following the use of prescription Suboxone film may be eligible to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. Determining eligibility should be facilitated by a licensed Suboxone lawyer. Qualification criteria typically include:
- Having been prescribed Suboxone for opioid addiction or pain management.
- Using prescription Suboxone for a minimum of six months before dental injuries occurred.
- Sustaining one or more dental injuries such as cavities, tooth loss, tooth fractures, tooth decay, tongue injuries, or gum injuries.
- Maintaining a history of routine dental care before initiating Suboxone use.
Contacting a law firm promptly is advisable to safeguard one’s right to file a claim. For claims dating back over a decade, individuals may need to secure their dental records.
The Role of Lawyers in Suboxone Lawsuits Engaging a lawyer is crucial for those seeking justice in Suboxone lawsuits. Legal counsel can help assemble the necessary evidence regarding tooth decay and other injuries related to Suboxone. Lawyers will file the lawsuit and subsequently either negotiate a settlement or prepare the case for a jury trial. Given the complexity of cases involving multinational pharmaceutical companies like Indivior, individuals are encouraged to select experienced legal representation with the required resources.
In alignment with standard practice in product liability injury claims, lawyers typically provide free case evaluations for Suboxone teeth lawsuits, with fees contingent upon the successful recovery of a settlement or jury verdict on the claimant’s behalf.
