Florida Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney (2025 Update)

Florida Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The momentum behind Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits is growing as an increasing number of users report severe dental problems.

These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers, Indivior and Aquestive Therapeutics, failed to adequately warn users about the risks of dental problems associated with Suboxone use.

Federal Suboxone lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) overseen by Judge J. Philip Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio.

Suboxone’s acidity, along with its propensity to induce dry mouth, hastens enamel erosion, ultimately resulting in serious dental problems.

Latest Suboxone Lawsuit Updates

• April 2024 – Over 100 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits have been filed, with new cases being added regularly to the multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Ohio [1].
• February 2024 – The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits to streamline the legal process and ensure consistent rulings across similar claims of dental injuries [2].
• June 2022 – The FDA updated the warning label for Suboxone to include dental risks, specifically mentioning severe dental decay, dental infection or abscesses, tooth erosion, oral infections, and partial and total tooth loss [3].
• January 2022 – The FDA issued a public warning linking oral buprenorphine, including Suboxone, with dental problems after their adverse event reporting system showed a high rate of dental disorder claims related to Suboxone use [4].

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA identified 305 cases of dental problems related to Suboxone, with 131 being classified as severe, indicating that this issue is both widespread and serious.

According to JAMA, a 2023 study of Suboxone adverse event reports revealed that sublingual Suboxone had a higher rate of adverse dental events compared to other forms of buprenorphine [5].

A study found an increase in the risk of adverse dental outcomes associated with sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone compared with transdermal buprenorphine and oral naltrexone. Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone is acidic in nature – Mahyar Etminan, PharmD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

This scientific evidence forms the basis for many of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits currently being filed. Despite these dental risks, the FDA maintains that the benefits of buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder and pain outweigh the risks.

Suboxone Injuries & Side Effects

One of the most concerning side effects of Suboxone is its impact on dental health. The sublingual film form of Suboxone contains acids that can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased risks of tooth decay.

Serious Suboxone dental side effects include:

• Tooth Enamel Erosion: The acids in Suboxone can wear down the tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay
• Tooth Decay: As enamel erodes, the softer inner tooth is exposed, leading to significant dental problems
• Tooth Sensitivity and Pain: Many users report increased sensitivity and pain due to enamel erosion and decay
• Tooth Loss: Severe decay can result in tooth loss, necessitating comprehensive dental treatments
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Reduces saliva production, which is essential for maintaining oral health

Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Suboxone lawsuit if:

• You used Suboxone film or tablets before June 2022
• You experienced serious dental side effects including tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss
• The dental injuries required professional treatment or dental procedures
• You can provide medical documentation linking your dental injuries to Suboxone use
• You lost three or more teeth following exposure to Suboxone sublingual strips

Evidence Required for a Suboxone Lawsuit

To support your case, you will need to collect:

• Dental records showing the progression of your dental problems
• X-rays and photos documenting your dental issues
• Prescription records proving your Suboxone use
• Billing records and receipts for dental treatments to document financial impact

Damages You Can Recover

Compensation in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit may include:

• Medical and dental expenses, including future treatment costs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to dental injuries
• Costs for dental prosthetics, implants, or other necessary dental work

Suboxone Recall Information

While there has not been a specific recall of Suboxone related to dental issues, the FDA has required updated warnings on the product labels to reflect the risk of dental problems.

In January 2022, the FDA issued a safety communication about the dental problems associated with oral buprenorphine medicines, including Suboxone.

Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Florida is typically four years.

This means individuals have four years from the date they discovered or should have discovered the dental injuries linked to Suboxone use to file a lawsuit.

The discovery rule can extend this deadline in certain cases, allowing individuals to file a claim when they become aware of their dental injuries being linked to Suboxone use.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Suboxone and How Does It Cause Tooth Decay?

Suboxone is a combination medication used to treat opioid addiction, containing buprenorphine and naloxone. It causes tooth decay because the sublingual film form contains acids that erode tooth enamel when dissolved in the mouth. Additionally, Suboxone can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), reducing saliva production which normally helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles, further increasing the risk of dental problems.

2. How Much Are Suboxone Tooth Decay Settlements Worth in Florida?

Settlement amounts in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits vary widely depending on several factors, particularly the severity of dental problems. Estimated settlement amounts for severe cases can range from $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the specifics of the individual case and the extent of the dental damage.

3. What Should I Do If I’m Currently Taking Suboxone and Worried About Dental Issues?

If you’re currently taking Suboxone and concerned about dental issues, consult with your healthcare provider about alternative forms of buprenorphine or different treatment options. Maintain rigorous oral hygiene practices, including rinsing your mouth with water after each dose, waiting at least an hour before brushing, and having regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health.

4. How Is the Suboxone MDL Different From a Class Action Lawsuit?

In a multidistrict litigation (MDL), individual cases remain separate but are consolidated for pretrial proceedings to improve efficiency. Each plaintiff retains their individual claim and may receive compensation based on their specific injuries. In contrast, a class action lawsuit treats all plaintiffs as one group with similar injuries, and any settlement is typically divided among all class members.

5. Can I Still File a Lawsuit If I Used Suboxone After the FDA Warning in 2022?

You may still be able to file a lawsuit if you used Suboxone after the FDA warning in January 2022, but it may be more challenging. The strength of cases typically lies with individuals who used Suboxone before the warnings were updated, as the primary legal claim is based on the manufacturer’s failure to warn about dental risks prior to that time.

6. What Legal Strategies Are Being Used in Suboxone Lawsuits?

Legal strategies in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits often focus on proving “failure to warn.” This involves showing that the manufacturers knew or should have known about the drug’s dental risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to users. Product liability lawyers use documentation from medical and dental appointments to establish a link between Suboxone use and dental complications.

7. How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

The timeframe for resolving Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits varies, but with the recent formation of the MDL in early 2024, most cases are still in the early stages. Generally, complex pharmaceutical litigation can take 2-5 years to resolve, though some cases may settle earlier. Bellwether trials, which will be scheduled in the coming months, will provide important insights into potential settlement values.

8. How Does Schmidt & Clark, LLP Help With Suboxone Lawsuits?

Schmidt & Clark, LLP helps with Suboxone lawsuits by focusing on dangerous drug cases with skilled attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases. The firm provides free initial consultations, works on a contingency-fee basis (you only pay if they win your case), and offers comprehensive support throughout the legal process to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Get A Free Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Suboxone-related dental injuries. The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is dedicated to supporting you through difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced tooth decay or other dental complications after using Suboxone, contact us immediately.

Our experienced team specializes in handling these cases and will guide you through the legal process. We will clarify your rights and evaluate your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications.

We offer free, confidential consultations and work on a contingency basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

References:

1. https://lawsuitlegalnews.com/suboxone-tooth-decay-lawsuit/
2. https://www.classaction.org/suboxone-teeth-lawsuit
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/020733s031s032lbl.pdf
4. https://www.citizen.org/article/fda-warns-that-buprenorphine-medications-dissolved-in-mouth-increase-risk-of-dental-problems/
5. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799415