Arkansas Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Latest 2024 Updates

Quick Summary

• Suppose you are dealing with severe tooth decay from Suboxone and are considering lawsuits in Arkansas. In that case, this article offers the latest updates and essential information on the Arkansas Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit and the broader Suboxone lawsuit landscape, including how to file a claim and what to expect.
• If you or someone you know has experienced complications due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to help. With a strong reputation in representing plaintiffs, our focus is on securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing top-notch legal support for Suboxone tooth decay claims. If you’re dealing with significant dental problems due to Suboxone, S&C is ready to assist.

With a comprehensive background in pharmaceutical litigation and personal injury cases, our team is adept at handling the intricacies of the litigation process. We can:

• Use our deep understanding of Suboxone-related dental issues and the legal aspects of these cases to create effective claims.
• Gather evidence, consult with medical professionals, and formulate persuasive arguments to hold Indivior accountable for the damage caused by Suboxone.
• Offer personalized care and keep them informed throughout the process.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

Suboxone initially heralded for its potency in treating opioid addiction, has regrettably resulted in an epidemic of grave dental problems among its users.

Although designed to assist patients in managing cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone has been associated with serious dental injuries, including severe dental decay.

These problems have ignited a surge of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits against Indivior, the manufacturer, for not sufficiently alerting consumers about these risks.

Patient reports of dental complications linked to Suboxone use have been circulating since 2007. The lawsuits argue that the prescribed Suboxone film provokes tooth erosion and decay owing to its acidic component, which Indivior is accused of failing to reveal.

Plaintiffs maintain that Indivior was completely conscious of Suboxone’s potential to induce severe tooth decay yet neglected to take proper measures to caution users. This has instigated a considerable increase in Suboxone tooth decay litigation.

The legal scene has witnessed significant progress, particularly with the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidating the lawsuits in the Northern District of Ohio in February 2024 for coordinated pretrial proceedings and preliminary bellwether trials.

This action seeks to simplify the process and manage the rising number of cases more effectively. Nonetheless, the influx of newly filed Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits significantly decelerated in early July 2024.

As the litigation advances, more plaintiffs continue to emerge, further underscoring the extensive impact of Suboxone on dental health. Notably, a recently amended master complaint was lodged on June 21, 2024, fine-tuning the allegations in the Suboxone class action lawsuit.

Amid ongoing developments, the pursuit of justice for Suboxone users who have incurred severe dental injuries remains vigorous and steadfast in the context of federal suboxone lawsuits.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a prescribed medication formulated to counter opioid addiction by curbing withdrawal symptoms and lessening dependency. It merges two drugs—buprenorphine and naloxone—which cooperate to inhibit the effects of opioids by preventing their activation of pain receptors [1].

This amalgamation renders Suboxone an influential instrument in combating opioid dependence, proposing a less addictive alternative to earlier opioid addiction treatment options like methadone.

Suboxone comes in two primary formats: a dissolvable tablet and a sublingual film. The prescription suboxone film, in particular, has been the focal point of the lawsuits due to its connection with serious dental problems.

By positioning the physician-prescribed suboxone film under the tongue, patients can assimilate the medication more efficiently. Still, this administration method has also been correlated with escalated risks of dental decay and other oral health issues.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

Although Suboxone has been a lifesaver for many fighting opioid addiction, its side effects cannot be ignored.

According to Addiction Center, the FDA has cautioned that sublingual medications containing buprenorphine, including Suboxone, have been linked with dental issues like [2]:

• oral infections
• tooth decay
• cavities
• tooth loss

These problems often surface shortly after patients initiate their Suboxone treatment, with some reporting tender or loose teeth. These dental issues have led to numerous tooth decay Suboxone lawsuits.

Over 2 million Americans resort to Suboxone annually, and although many do not report dental discomfort or other oral health problems, those who do encounter considerable challenges.

The severity of these dental problems fluctuates, but recurring symptoms include enduring toothaches, heightened sensitivity, and noticeable decay. These side effects can result in long-term dental health complications, requiring comprehensive and expensive treatments.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

In June 2022, the FDA issued a crucial warning concerning the dental risks linked to Suboxone and other sublingual medications containing buprenorphine [3].

This warning was issued in response to numerous reports of dental problems, including:

• tooth decay
• cavities
• oral infections
• total tooth loss

The FDA’s alert was a pivotal step, underscoring the serious dental health issues that many Suboxone users encounter.

The FDA’s investigation uncovered that even patients with no previous history of dental problems experienced severe complications after commencing Suboxone. The FDA required changes to the warning labels on Suboxone, stressing the risks of dental decay and the need for patients to maintain diligent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

These modifications were aimed at guaranteeing that patients and healthcare providers are fully aware of the potential dental risks.

Despite these warnings, numerous users continue to endure severe dental problems, which has resulted in an influx of lawsuits against Indivior.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have been prescribed Suboxone and use it as directed by your physician.

Additionally, it would help if you had suffered severe tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss as a direct consequence of using Suboxone.

Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is an oral film prescribed to treat dependence on opioid drugs. It works to reduce withdrawal symptoms when stopping opioids and for an extended period of time afterward – Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA, Licensed Pharmacist and Associate Director – Medical Communications at Wesley Enterprise, Inc.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Arkansas

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Arkansas is a fragment of a larger Suboxone lawsuit that has been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) overseen by Judge J. Philip Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio.

This consolidation was intended to simplify the litigation process and manage the numerous cases more efficiently. The consolidation was deliberated at the JPML Committee meeting, emphasizing the urgency and significance of coordinating these cases.

In Arkansas, the tally of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits has been progressively increasing, with over 100 cases filed as of April 2024. The upsurge in newly filed lawsuits sustained into June 2024, with 319 new cases reported.

This escalation mirrors the growing awareness among Suboxone users about dental risks and their rights to seek compensation for the harm endured.

Recent advancements in the litigation include the lodging of a newly amended master complaint on June 21, 2024, refining the allegations in the Suboxone class action lawsuit.

Additionally, a disagreement has emerged regarding the handling and production of electronic documents during the discovery process, with disputed issues including electronically stored information (ESI) and the timing of plaintiffs’ fact sheets in suboxone lawsuits.

Judge Calabrese has played a key role in shaping the course of the litigation, denying Indivior’s motion for bifurcation and deciding against dividing or sequencing general and specific causes. This decision underlines the court’s dedication to a comprehensive and integrated approach to discovery and litigation.

While a settlement in 2024 appears improbable, the enduring discovery process and plaintiff lawyers’ endeavors are anticipated to fortify the cases and bring compensation closer.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Arkansas

Settlement sums in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Arkansas differ greatly, depending on several factors, including the severity of the dental injuries and precedents from analogous pharmaceutical or product liability cases.

The average settlement amount in Suboxone cases ranges from $25,000 to over $150,000, reflecting the significant harm endured by many plaintiffs. These amounts are influenced by the specific details of each case, including the extent of the dental damage and the costs associated with necessary treatments.

Past settlements in similar cases have established important precedents, providing a framework for determining suitable compensation in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits. As more cases are resolved, these settlements will continue to inform and guide future negotiations, ensuring that plaintiffs receive equitable and sufficient compensation for their injuries.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Arkansas

Filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Arkansas involves several key steps. First, ensure eligibility by confirming you were prescribed Suboxone and suffered severe dental issues like tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss.

This eligibility applies to those who experienced these problems after using Suboxone, which is in line with Arkansas’s product liability statute of limitations.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal strategies in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits frequently involve surmounting significant challenges. One of the primary obstacles is proving causation, both general and specific.

General causation necessitates demonstrating that Suboxone can induce dental issues, while specific causation involves linking an individual plaintiff’s dental problems directly to their Suboxone use.

Disagreements over electronic discovery, such as the handling and production of electronically stored information (ESI), can complicate the litigation process. Some common challenges include:

• Plaintiffs seeking streamlined processes
• Defendants arguing the impracticality of certain document requests
• Delays and increased burdens on plaintiffs
• Managing both case-specific and general causation evidence

These challenges pose strategic challenges for both parties involved in the litigation process.

Types of Evidence To Present

Presenting compelling evidence is crucial for the success of a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. Essential evidence includes Suboxone usage records, such as prescriptions, dosage details, and changes in dosage over time. These records assist in establishing the link between Suboxone use and the plaintiff’s dental problems.

Dental care records are equally significant, documenting the progression of dental issues while on Suboxone. These records should include:

• Regular dental check-up reports
• Past dental records like X-rays
• Diagnoses
• Treatment plans
• Receipts for major procedures

Such comprehensive documentation substantiates the claim that Suboxone use directly resulted in the dental issues.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Arkansas?

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Arkansas is generally three years for product liability cases and two years for other Suboxone-related claims.

The discovery rule can occasionally extend the filing period, allowing plaintiffs to lodge a lawsuit within a specified duration from the date they discovered their injury, even if the general statute of limitations has expired.

This rule acknowledges that some injuries may not be immediately apparent, providing victims with a fair opportunity to seek justice.

Related Articles:

• California Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Colorado Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Florida Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys have covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Arkansas Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is here to help you navigate these challenging times. If you or a loved one has suffered complications from medications like Suboxone, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our experienced team will guide you through the legal process, providing clarity on your rights and evaluating your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications.

Get a free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case. Trust that our commitment to your case is as strong as if you were part of our own family. Reach out to us today for a comprehensive review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/suboxone
2. https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/medications/suboxone/
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems-buprenorphine-medicines-dissolved-mouth-treat-opioid-use-disorder