The opioid crisis has ravaged communities across the United States, leaving countless individuals and families grappling with the devastating consequences of addiction. In response, healthcare providers have increasingly turned to medications like Suboxone to aid in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and withdrawal management. However, a growing number of Suboxone users are now seeking legal recourse, alleging that the drug manufacturer failed to warn them about a troubling side effect – severe tooth decay and long-term dental damage.
The Link Between Suboxone and Dental Problems
Suboxone, first introduced by Indivior Inc. and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the early 2000s, was hailed as a breakthrough treatment for opioid dependency. The medication, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, aiding individuals in their recovery. However, in 2010, Indivior updated the delivery method from tablets to sublingual films that dissolve under the tongue or inside the cheek. This modification has been linked to a surge in dental problems reported by Suboxone users over the past decade.
What Causes Suboxone’s Alleged Impact on Dental Health?
The key to Suboxone’s effectiveness lies in its acidic composition. The drug’s two main ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, require an acidic environment to ensure they remain stable and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. To achieve this, Suboxone contains several acidic inactive ingredients, such as citric acid, sodium citrate dihydrate, and lime flavor. This highly acidic nature of the Suboxone film can erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay, cavities, and other dental issues.
Compounding the problem, Suboxone has also been linked to a condition known as xerostomia, or dry mouth. The primary cause of this side effect is the ingredient buprenorphine, which can impact the central nervous system and reduce the function of the salivary glands. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and cleaning the mouth, and its absence can further exacerbate the detrimental effects of Suboxone’s acidity on dental health.
Possible Dental Injuries Caused by Suboxone Use
The combination of Suboxone’s acidic composition and its ability to cause dry mouth has been linked to a wide range of dental issues, including:
- Cavities
- Enamel erosion
- Dental caries
- Gum disease (periodontitis)
- Gum recession
- Tooth sensitivity and pain
- Tooth abscess
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Cracked teeth
- Oral infections
As a result of these dental complications, many Suboxone users have been forced to undergo painful and expensive procedures to address the damage to their oral health. These corrective measures may include tooth extractions, dental fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, root canals, and even corrective surgery.
Suboxone Lawsuits Allege a Lack of Adequate Warnings
Despite the well-established risks of tooth decay from acidic exposure, lawsuits allege that Indivior Inc. failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential for Suboxone to cause severe dental problems for decades. This, according to plaintiffs, demonstrates the manufacturers’ prioritization of profits over patient safety, leaving Suboxone users to bear the financial and emotional burden of their deteriorating oral health.
Over the past year, nearly 11,000 Suboxone lawsuits have been filed by former users of the opioid addiction drug, each raising nearly identical allegations about the devastating impact of the sublingual film on their dental health. In response, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has centralized these claims into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, allowing for more efficient handling of pretrial proceedings and potential settlement discussions.
Potential Compensation for Suboxone-Related Dental Injuries
Individuals who have suffered dental injuries due to Suboxone use may be eligible for compensation to cover the cost of corrective procedures, as well as damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life. Potential compensation in Suboxone Lawsuits may include:
- Reimbursement for dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants
- Coverage for ongoing dental care and maintenance
- Compensation for lost wages due to dental-related absences
- Awards for pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Punitive damages against the drug manufacturer for alleged negligence or misconduct
The window of opportunity to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit varies depending on individual circumstances and the laws of each state. Affected individuals are encouraged to consult with an experienced Suboxone lawyer to understand their state’s statute of limitations and determine if they meet the eligibility criteria to pursue legal action.
Suboxone Lawsuit Information
