Georgia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Latest 2025 Updates

Georgia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits are rapidly expanding, with 677 cases filed as of July 2, 2024. Federal Suboxone lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio to streamline pretrial proceedings.

Indivior, Inc. and Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc., the manufacturers of Suboxone, face allegations of failing to warn users about severe dental risks, including tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss.

The FDA issued warnings about these dental problems in 2022, confirming the causal link between sublingual Suboxone and serious dental injuries.

Latest Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Updates

• June 2024 – Judge Calabrese issued an order to create a Plaintiffs’ Leadership Development Committee to assist less experienced attorneys in handling these complex cases, ensuring competent legal representation for all plaintiffs [1].
• June 24, 2024 – Plaintiffs won an early victory against the defense’s motion to bifurcate discovery. Judge Calabrese denied the defendant’s request to restrict early discovery to prioritize discovery into the link between Suboxone and tooth decay [2].
• January 2022 – The FDA raised an alarm over the risk of dental injuries linked to oral-dissolving medicines containing buprenorphine, including Suboxone [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

In January 2022, the FDA issued a warning about dental problems with buprenorphine medicines that dissolve in the mouth, including Suboxone. The FDA investigation found a strong association between these medications and severe dental issues.

The FDA identified 305 cases of dental problems associated with oral buprenorphine products, including:

• 131 cases of tooth decay
• 94 cases of tooth loss
• 68 cases of tooth fracture
• 47 cases of cavities
• 43 cases requiring multiple teeth extractions

Following these findings, in June 2022, the FDA unilaterally changed the warning label for sublingual Suboxone to include warnings about severe dental decay, oral infections, tooth loss, and other dental injuries.

This decision was made in response to the reported incidents and led to an increase in Suboxone tooth decay claims as more individuals became aware of the legal implications.

Suboxone Injuries & Side Effects

Suboxone treatment can cause a range of serious dental and other health issues that may necessitate medical intervention and potentially qualify for legal action.

Dental Side Effects [4]:

• Tooth Decay: Progressive damage to dental enamel and structure
• Cavities: Formation of holes in teeth requiring dental fillings
• Broken Teeth: Fracturing or complete breakage requiring crowns or extractions
• Complete Tooth Loss: Necessitating dentures or implants
• Oral Infections: Bacterial infections in the gums and surrounding tissues

Additional Side Effects:

• Damage to the heart, circulatory, and respiratory systems with prolonged use
• Respiratory depression
• Liver damage
• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms

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.

Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit if:

• You used Suboxone sublingual film as prescribed by your doctor
• You experienced serious dental side effects including tooth decay, cavities, broken teeth, or tooth loss
• Your dental injuries required professional treatment, such as fillings, root canals, extractions, or dental implants
• You can provide medical documentation linking your dental injuries to Suboxone use
• You used Suboxone before the FDA updated the warning label in June 2022

Higher settlement amounts may be expected for those requiring extensive dental treatments such as implants or oral surgeries.

Evidence Required for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you’ll need to gather these types of evidence:

1. Medical and Dental Records:

• Documentation of dental problems
• Timeline of Suboxone use
• Records of dental treatments and procedures

2. Photos of Dental Damage:

• Visual documentation of your dental injuries
• Before and after photos if available

3. Suboxone Prescriptions and Pharmacy Records:

• Proof of your Suboxone prescription
• Duration and dosage information

4. Testimonies from Medical Professionals:

• Expert opinions from your dentist or doctor
• Documentation linking your dental issues to Suboxone use

Damages You Can Recover

In a successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical and dental expenses for past and future treatments
• Lost wages due to time off work for dental procedures
• Pain and suffering from dental injuries and treatments
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages against the manufacturers

Suboxone Recall Information

While there has not been a formal recall of Suboxone specifically due to dental issues, the FDA’s 2022 safety communication and label change effectively serves as an acknowledgment of the product’s risks.

The FDA required manufacturers to strengthen warnings on product labels about the risk of dental problems with all oral buprenorphine-containing medications.

Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Georgia is two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.

This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of when you knew or should have known that Suboxone caused your dental problems.

Due to ongoing discussions about converting federal court filings into a formal tolling agreement, the statute of limitations may be paused for some potential plaintiffs.

This would allow more time for individuals to file their claims, especially those who have recently discovered their dental injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is Suboxone and Why Is It Linked to Dental Problems?

Suboxone is a medication used primarily for opioid addiction treatment, combining buprenorphine and naloxone. The sublingual film form is placed under the tongue to dissolve, but its acidic content can cause significant damage to teeth over time. When the film dissolves, the acidic compounds can remain in contact with teeth for extended periods, leading to erosion of dental enamel and subsequent decay.

2. How Much Could My Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Be Worth?

Potential settlement amounts for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits vary significantly based on the severity of dental injuries and strength of evidence. Previous settlements in similar cases have ranged from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars. Cases requiring extensive dental work like multiple implants or full mouth reconstruction typically receive higher compensation, while those with less severe damage may receive lower amounts.

3. Has the FDA Taken Any Action Regarding Suboxone Dental Issues?

Yes, in January 2022, the FDA issued a warning about dental problems associated with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth, including Suboxone [5]. By June 2022, the FDA unilaterally changed the warning label for sublingual Suboxone to include warnings about severe dental decay, oral infections, tooth loss, and other dental injuries after finding a causal link between the medication and dental problems.

4. What Is the Current Status of Suboxone Litigation?

As of July 2024, 677 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits have been filed and consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio. The litigation continues to grow with regular transfers of new cases into the MDL. Recent developments include the appointment of a Plaintiffs’ Leadership Development Committee and denial of the defendants’ motion to bifurcate discovery.

5. Can I Join the Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit?

While there isn’t technically a Suboxone class action lawsuit, there is a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) that consolidates individual lawsuits for pretrial proceedings. If you meet the qualification criteria, you can file your own lawsuit that may become part of this MDL. Each case remains individual, with its own settlement value based on specific injuries, but the MDL process streamlines certain aspects of litigation.

6. How Long Do I Have to File a Suboxone Lawsuit?

In Georgia, you have two years from the date of injury or discovery of injury to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. However, ongoing discussions about tolling agreements might pause this deadline for some potential plaintiffs. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable time limits.

7. What If I’m Still Taking Suboxone for Opioid Treatment?

If you’re still taking Suboxone as prescribed for opioid addiction treatment, you should not discontinue use without consulting your healthcare provider. You can still pursue a lawsuit while continuing treatment. Your doctor may recommend alternative formulations or additional dental hygiene practices to minimize further damage while maintaining your treatment plan.

8. What Makes Schmidt & Clark, LLP Different from Other Law Firms?

Schmidt & Clark, LLP specializes in cases like the Suboxone tooth decay litigation and has extensive experience representing plaintiffs in pharmaceutical injury cases. The firm offers free consultations, works on a contingency fee basis (no upfront costs), provides personalized attention to each case, and has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for clients injured by dangerous drugs and medical devices.

Get A Free Georgia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Suboxone tooth decay injuries. In Georgia, the statute of limitations is only 2 years from the date of injury or discovery, meaning your right to compensation could expire if you don’t act quickly.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our services
• Payment only if we win your case
• Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
• Comprehensive legal representation throughout the entire process

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your Suboxone-related dental injuries.

References

1. https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/suboxone-lawsuit/suboxone-mdl-leadership-development-committee/
2. https://www.drugwatch.com/news/2024/06/28/judge-denies-defendants-request-for-phased-discovery-in-suboxone-tooth-decay-mdl/
3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems-buprenorphine-medicines-dissolved-mouth-treat-opioid-use-disorder
4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827
5. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems-buprenorphine-medicines-dissolved-mouth-treat-opioid-use-disorder