Indiana Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Filing for Compensation

Quick Summary

• The Indiana Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is part of a nationwide legal effort addressing the severe dental issues linked to Suboxone use. This lawsuit aims to hold the manufacturers accountable for the dental damage caused by the medication, seeking justice and compensation for affected individuals.
• The consolidation of federal Suboxone lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) and the role of bellwether trials are crucial in streamlining these legal processes.
• This article provides essential updates, explains how to qualify for compensation, and outlines the current legal actions taking place. If you or someone you know has suffered complications due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to assist. Renowned for their dedication to plaintiffs, they aim to secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by guiding you with their expertise in evaluating Suboxone-induced tooth decay cases. They provide crucial insights to help you understand the viability of your claim and navigate the legal process without any financial burden.

We at Schmidt & Clark can help in several ways. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and expertise to ensure your Suboxone tooth decay claim is handled effectively. Here’s how we can assist you:

• Expert evaluation of your Suboxone-induced tooth decay case.
• Assistance in gathering detailed evidence and medical records.
• Dedicated legal support focused on your recovery.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit revolves around serious allegations against the manufacturers of Suboxone. Plaintiffs claim that the medication, particularly its sublingual film version, has led to severe dental issues such as tooth decay, broken teeth, cracked teeth, and gum infections.

The consolidation of Suboxone litigation under Judge J. Philip Calabrese aims to streamline the process and address the implications for the lawsuit.

These allegations are based on the assertion that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential dental risks associated with Suboxone use.

Individuals seeking to file Suboxone tooth decay claims must understand the eligibility and process for filing lawsuits related to severe tooth decay and dental injuries caused by using Suboxone.

Significant developments have emerged in the Suboxone tooth decay litigation, which is undergoing significant changes.

In February 2024, Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits were centralized under the oversight of U.S. District Judge Philip Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio. This move was intended to enhance efficiency in handling the growing number of cases.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and dependency. It is classified as an ‘opioid antagonist,’ meaning it blocks the activation of pain receptors typically triggered by opioids [1].

This makes it a popular choice for opioid addiction treatment due to its effectiveness and lower risk of dependency compared to other buprenorphine medications like methadone.

Suboxone is available in two forms: a tablet and a sublingual film, both of which dissolve in the mouth. The sublingual film version, in particular, has been linked to severe dental issues, which has become a focal point in the lawsuits. The FDA warning label for prescription Suboxone film highlights these risks.

A comprehensive medication-assisted treatment plan should combine physician-prescribed suboxone film, also known as suboxone film, with substance abuse counseling and regular primary care to ensure a holistic approach to recovery.

Suboxone film is used to treat opioid addiction, but it carries significant dental risks, including severe tooth decay, tooth erosion, oral infections, and tooth loss.

Comprehending Suboxone’s function in treating opioid addiction is integral to understanding the significance of its dental side effects. While it provides a lifeline for those battling addiction, the trade-off in dental health cannot be ignored.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

According to JAMA, the consolidation of Suboxone teeth lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in various federal courts, particularly in the Northern District of Ohio, highlights the scientific link between sublingual Suboxone use and dental health issues [2].

The sublingual film version of Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which has been found to cause severe dental injuries such as [3]:

• tooth decay
• broken teeth
• cracked teeth
• gum infections

Users have reported significant dental problems after long-term use, with some studies suggesting that sublingual films are twice as likely to cause serious dental health issues compared to regular tablets.

Dry mouth, a known side effect of Suboxone, exacerbates these issues. Reduced saliva production means less natural buffering of teeth, increasing the risk of decay. Suboxone also changes the balance of oral bacteria, further contributing to dental problems.

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.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

In January 2022, the FDA issued a warning about the risk of dental problems linked to buprenorphine (Suboxone), including [4]:

• tooth decay
• cavities
• infections
• tooth loss

This warning was a significant development, emphasizing the severity of the dental issues associated with Suboxone.

Indivior changed the warning label for Suboxone due to the high number of adverse event reports from users experiencing tooth loss. This change was prompted by the alarming frequency of these reports filed by Suboxone users.

The FDA mandated that manufacturers include a warning about dental risks in both the prescribing information and the patient’s Medication Guide. This requirement applies to all relevant medications.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have used Suboxone before 2022 to be eligible for filing a lawsuit. This is because the FDA warnings and updated labeling only came into effect after this date.

If you have experienced dental issues while taking Suboxone before 2022, you may have options for seeking compensation. It’s important to explore this possibility with legal guidance. This includes issues like severe tooth decay, broken teeth, and gum infections.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Indiana

The ongoing Suboxone class action lawsuit involves numerous plaintiffs and highlights the allegations against the drug manufacturer for failing to warn about the risks associated with using Suboxone sublingually.

The status of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Indiana reflects a broader trend seen across the United States. In November, federal courts saw an increase in Suboxone lawsuits against Indivior, with fourteen new cases filed in just ten days by late 2023. This surge in filings indicates a growing awareness and mobilization among affected individuals.

Recent updates on the Suboxone lawsuit include court orders and potential settlements, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address various aspects of the litigation.

Recent legal developments in Indiana include:

• The expiry of the statute of limitations for some cases
• The rejection of tolling agreements
• The filing of a master complaint with schedules of individuals

These actions play a fundamental role in directing the course of the litigation and in guaranteeing that all claims are accurately documented and processed.

The pending decision on whether to consolidate all federal Suboxone cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a significant development.

This consolidation aims to streamline the legal process, making it more efficient and manageable for both plaintiffs and the courts.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Indiana

The potential settlement amounts in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits depend on various factors, including the severity of dental injuries and the financial impact on the affected individuals. Compensation may include economic and non-economic damages, such as mental anguish and direct dollar values for dental damage.

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are rare unless there is evidence of intentional or extremely reckless conduct by the defendant.

The amount of compensation is influenced by both the extent and severity of dental injuries. Severe injuries can significantly elevate the payout amount, with some cases potentially reaching up to $200,000 or more.

Grasping these potential settlement amounts allows plaintiffs to set realistic expectations and emphasizes the need for comprehensive documentation and legal representation in securing equitable compensation.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Indiana

Filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Indiana requires several crucial steps. Prospective plaintiffs must demonstrate that they suffered tooth decay, erosion, or loss due to Suboxone use.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal strategies and challenges in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits often involve disputes over electronic document management during discovery. Plaintiffs advocate for a streamlined process, while defendants prefer a more meticulous approach.

Another legal strategy involves plaintiffs opposing defendants’ attempts to focus exclusively on general causation before case-specific discovery, which could delay the litigation.

Plaintiffs in Suboxone lawsuits often face challenges related to tolling agreements, which can temporarily suspend the statute of limitations and impact the timing of lawsuit filings.

Defendants’ strategy of opposing tolling agreements aims to force plaintiffs’ lawyers to file numerous lawsuits quickly, hoping some claims will be dropped due to a lack of evidence.

A recent tactic by defense lawyers includes filing motions to separate general causation from case-specific discovery to complicate and prolong the litigation process.

Plaintiffs argue that bifurcating discovery into general and specific causation phases can misallocate resources and extend the litigation timeline unnecessarily.

Types of Evidence To Present

Collecting robust evidence is fundamental for constructing a persuasive case against the manufacturers.

Required evidence includes:

• Suboxone prescriptions
• Dosage details
• Duration of usage
• Medical records detailing Suboxone prescriptions
• Dental health history

The documentation provided is helpful in establishing the connection between the use of Suboxone and the dental injuries sustained. It clearly outlines the link between the two factors.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Indiana is two years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury. This means that plaintiffs need to file within this timeframe to have a valid claim.

The cut-off date for filing Suboxone lawsuits in states with a two-year statute of limitations was June 14, 2024. This deadline applies to any legal action related to Suboxone that occurred within the last two years.

Related Articles:

• Utah Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Maryland Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• North Carolina Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Indiana Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is committed to supporting you during challenging times. If you or a loved one has faced complications from medications like Suboxone, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team has extensive experience 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.

Take advantage of a free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case. You can trust that our dedication to your case is as strong as if you were part of our own family. Contact us today for a detailed review of your concerns.

Reference:

1. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/suboxone
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799415
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827
4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems-buprenorphine-medicines-dissolved-mouth-treat-opioid-use-disorder