Maryland Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

Quick Summary

• The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit involves plaintiffs seeking compensation for dental injuries allegedly caused by the medication. They claim Indivior Inc. failed to warn about the dental risks of Suboxone, resulting in widespread issues.
• By understanding your rights and the legal process, you can take the necessary steps to protect your health and pursue the compensation you deserve.
• 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 easing the often daunting process of navigating Suboxone tooth decay claims. Specializing in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Maryland, S&C offers comprehensive legal assistance to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

From the moment you reach out, S&C is committed to providing personalized service and comprehensive support to strengthen your Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, including:

• Evaluating the specifics of your case and determining eligibility.
• Assisting in gathering and organizing essential medical and dental records.
• Utilizing their extensive experience to build a strong case and maximize your chances of receiving compensation.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit has garnered significant attention, particularly among those who were unaware of the potential dental risks associated with the medication. Suboxone, a drug commonly prescribed to treat opioid addiction, has been linked to severe dental issues, prompting numerous legal actions against its manufacturer, Indivior Inc.

These lawsuits aim to provide compensation to individuals who have experienced dental issues and related damages as a result of using Suboxone. The goal is to address the harm caused and ensure that affected individuals receive the support they need.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction, combining two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids [1].

This combination makes Suboxone an effective option for opioid addiction treatment. Suboxone is available in two forms: a tablet and a sublingual film that dissolves under the tongue. The physician-prescribed suboxone film, also known as prescription suboxone film, is particularly popular due to its ease of use and effectiveness.

However, recent evidence suggests that the sublingual film form may be linked to severe dental issues, including tooth decay and erosion.

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.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

According to MedicalNewsToday, Suboxone, while effective in treating opioid addiction, has been linked to a range of severe dental issues, including [2]:

• Tooth decay
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Oral infections
• Tooth loss

Users have also reported fractured and cracked teeth, adding to the list of dental problems associated with Suboxone use.

Dry mouth is another common side effect of Suboxone, which reduces saliva production and lowers the mouth’s pH, further contributing to tooth decay.

Some patients have experienced severe dental issues even without a prior history of dental problems, indicating a direct link between Suboxone use and dental health deterioration.

Research has shown that dental problems can occur as soon as two weeks after starting buprenorphine treatment. Studies published in medical journals like JAMA and the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics have confirmed the high incidence of dental issues among Suboxone users.

In October 2023, the National Institutes of Health began comprehensive research to investigate this link further.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

The FDA, pivotal in guaranteeing medication safety, has issued significant warnings about Suboxone. On January 12, 2022, the FDA issued a drug safety communication highlighting the severe dental risks associated with buprenorphine (Suboxone). This warning led to the implementation of warning labels on Suboxone sublingual films and tablets [3].

The FDA’s warning identified severe dental problems linked to Suboxone. Despite the severity of these risks, the updated warning label was included only in the prescribing information for physicians and not in the patient medication guide.

This omission has been a point of contention in ongoing Suboxone tooth decay litigation, as many users were unaware of the dental risks associated with Suboxone.

The FDA’s investigation identified 305 cases of dental problems linked to buprenorphine products dissolved in the mouth, with tooth extraction being a common treatment. These findings underscore the importance of proper warnings and the need for users to be fully informed about the risks associated with their medication.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have been prescribed Suboxone, used it as directed, and suffered severe dental injuries without prior warning about these risks.

It’s crucial to ensure that your case falls within Maryland’s statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Maryland

As of early 2024, the status of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Maryland is experiencing rapid changes. Due to the high number of cases, these lawsuits have been consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) 3092, centralized in the Northern District of Ohio under Judge Philip Calabrese.

This consolidation aims to streamline the legal process and manage the large volume of claims more efficiently.

The first case management conference for MDL 3092 was held on March 7, 2024, setting the stage for future proceedings. During this conference, the parties discussed entering into a tolling agreement, which would allow additional lawsuits to be filed without regard to the applicable statute of limitations. This agreement is crucial for plaintiffs who may need more time to gather evidence and file their claims.

Significant developments include the filing of an amended master complaint on June 21, 2024, which outlines the allegations and legal arguments against Indivior Inc.

Additionally, on May 21, 2024, the court entered an order covering Evidence Rule 502(D) for privileged materials in the Suboxone litigation. These legal maneuvers are designed to ensure that the proceedings are fair and transparent.

The volume of federal Suboxone lawsuits continues to grow, with approximately 10,000 Suboxone lawsuits filed in a single day on June 14, 2024. In the first six weeks of the MDL, 44 plaintiffs filed cases, highlighting the widespread impact of Suboxone-related dental issues.

The next Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) hearing is scheduled for January 25, 2024, to discuss further consolidation and procedural matters, including the potential for a Suboxone class action lawsuit.

Maryland residents impacted by Suboxone need to stay updated on these developments. By understanding the current status of the lawsuit, potential plaintiffs can better navigate the legal landscape and take the necessary steps to protect their rights.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Maryland

The potential settlement amounts in Maryland’s Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits can fluctuate greatly, depending on the severity of dental injuries and their associated costs.

Compensation in these lawsuits may include a range of damages, such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages

The potential amount of payouts in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits can range from $50,000 to over $190,000 per individual plaintiff, with the average settlement estimated between $25,000 and $150,000.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Maryland

To start a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Maryland, consult a specialized attorney. This helps evaluate your case, determine eligibility, and outline legal procedures. An experienced legal team is essential for insights into your case.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

In Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits, common legal strategies involve proving that the manufacturer failed to warn about the risks of severe tooth decay despite being aware of these risks for years.

This requires collecting evidence showing the drug company received numerous adverse event reports about tooth decay but did not update the product label with an appropriate warning.

One significant challenge plaintiffs face is establishing that the chronic dry mouth caused by Suboxone directly leads to severe tooth decay and tooth loss. This involves presenting medical evidence and expert testimonies to link Suboxone use to the dental issues experienced.

Navigating the complexities of multidistrict litigation (MDL) can also be difficult if the Suboxone teeth lawsuits are consolidated at a federal level. While MDL aims to streamline the legal process, it requires a strategic approach to ensure that individual claims are adequately represented and addressed.

Highlighting the FDA’s public warning in 2022 can be a powerful strategy in court. This warning serves as evidence of the delayed response to known side effects and can help demonstrate negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

By using these legal strategies, plaintiffs can strengthen their cases and improve their chances of securing compensation.

Types of Evidence To Present

Compelling evidence is a cornerstone of a successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit.

This includes:

• Medical records
• Dental records
• Prescription information that documents your use of Suboxone and the resulting dental issues
• Detailed records of your dental treatments, such as fillings, root canals, and extractions

These records are crucial for supporting your claim. Expert testimonies from dentists and medical professionals can strengthen your case by linking Suboxone use to your dental issues.

Clear photos of the damage to your teeth and evidence of regular dental hygiene practices can also be helpful in countering any claims of negligence in dental care.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Maryland is three years. This means that you have three years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury to file a lawsuit.

The statute of limitations ensures that lawsuits are filed within a reasonable time frame, maintaining the integrity of evidence and providing certainty for potential defendants.

Related Articles:

• Utah Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Virginia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Pennsylvania Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Maryland Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm stands ready to assist you through difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from medications like Suboxone, contact us.

Our team, with its extensive experience in such cases, will guide you through the legal process. We will clarify your rights and evaluate your eligibility for a Suboxone lawsuit related to these complications.

Benefit from 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 thorough review of your concerns.

Reference:

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