If you have been following the news, then you might have heard that a medication called Suboxone has landed itself in hot soup.
This medication, used to treat opioid dependency, has become the center of a legal storm due to its side effects. Plaintiffs of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits allege severe dental damage caused by the medication, dragging its manufacturer, Indivior Inc., to court.
Below are six key facts to help you understand what is going on.
- Suboxone’s Acidity and Dry Mouth Are Major Culprits
Suboxone is administered as a sublingual film that dissolves under the tongue. While effective for opioid addiction treatment, its design has unintended consequences for dental health:
- The films are acidic, with a pH of 3.4, comparable to vinegar, which erodes tooth enamel over time.
- Suboxone also causes dry mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria, so its absence creates an environment for tooth decay.
These factors lead to widespread dental issues, including cavities, enamel erosion, and tooth loss.
- Indivior Allegedly Failed to Warn Consumers
One of the main allegations in these lawsuits is that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the risks of dental problems before 2022. Despite numerous adverse event reports and studies linking Suboxone films to severe tooth decay, it was not until January 2022 that the FDA insisted on a warning label on the medication. Plaintiffs argue that Indivior prioritized profits over safety by rushing the sublingual film version of Suboxone to market when its tablet patent expired. These moves bypassed thorough testing and unethically concealed risks to avoid regulatory delays.
- The Legal Battle is Heating Up
The lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL 3092) under Judge Philip Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio. As of now:
- Over 10,000 cases have been filed, with more expected.
- Bellwether trials are being prepared to test key legal issues like product defects and failure-to-warn claims.
- Indivior has faced setbacks in court, including rulings rejecting motions to dismiss and bifurcate discovery.
These developments indicate that complainants are gaining momentum in their fight for accountability.
- Dental Damage Linked to Suboxone Is Severe
The dental problems associated with Suboxone use go beyond minor cavities, with common issues reported, including:
- Multiple severe cavities
- Tooth fractures and enamel erosion
- Gum disease and abscesses
- Total tooth loss in extreme cases
Many patients require expensive treatments such as root canals, crowns, dentures, or jaw surgery. These procedures’ financial and emotional toll is a driving force behind the lawsuits.
- Studies Back Plaintiffs’ Claims
Scientific research supports the connection between Suboxone use and dental decay. For example:
- A 2023 study analyzing FDA adverse event reports found significantly higher rates of dental injuries among Suboxone users compared to other buprenorphine treatments.
- Earlier studies have linked buprenorphine medications like Suboxone to dry mouth and increased bacterial growth (e.g., Streptococcus mutans), accelerating decay.
- Compensation Could Be Significant
Victims of Suboxone-related dental damage may be eligible for the following damages:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages or reduced earnings
- Out-of-pocket costs like transportation for medical appointments.
Conclusion
While settlements are yet to be finalized, experts predict that successful claims could result in substantial payouts, given the injuries’ severity. The Suboxone lawsuit highlights a troubling pattern in which pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over patient safety.
If you or someone you know has suffered dental harm from using Suboxone films, it is worth exploring your legal options. With thousands of cases already filed, this litigation is shaping up to be a significant chapter in holding drug manufacturers accountable for their actions.
