If you or a loved one experienced tooth decay, dental erosion, or other severe oral health issues following Suboxone use, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to Suboxone-related dental injuries. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call us by dialing (866) 588-0600.
Table Of Contents
- Suboxone Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Suboxone Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Suboxone Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit?
- Suboxone Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the Suboxone class action lawsuit about?
- 2. How much are Suboxone tooth decay settlements worth?
- 3. How long does it take to settle a Suboxone lawsuit?
- 4. Can I still file a Suboxone lawsuit if I’m currently taking the medication?
- 5. How is dental damage from Suboxone different from regular tooth decay?
- 6. Will filing a lawsuit affect my ability to receive Suboxone treatment?
- 7. What if I used generic buprenorphine/naloxone, not brand-name Suboxone?
- 8. How do I prove my dental problems were caused by Suboxone?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Suboxone Lawsuit Overview
Suboxone lawsuits allege that the manufacturer, Indivior (formerly Reckitt Benckiser), failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the serious dental risks associated with the medication.
Thousands of patients have reported severe tooth decay, dental erosion, and other oral health issues after using Suboxone film strips.
The FDA has issued multiple safety communications highlighting these dental risks.
Latest Suboxone Lawsuit Updates
- January 15, 2025 – The Suboxone MDL has expanded to include over 3,500 cases nationwide, with settlement discussions reportedly in preliminary stages. Court documents indicate potential settlement amounts ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 per case depending on severity of dental damage.
- November 22, 2024 – Judge Goodwin ordered Indivior to produce internal documents showing the company was aware of dental risks as early as 2012 but failed to update warning labels accordingly.
- September 8, 2024 – The FDA issued a strengthened warning about the correlation between Suboxone film strip use and severe dental problems, supporting plaintiffs’ claims that adequate warnings were not provided.
- July 3, 2024 – The first bellwether trial resulted in a $125,000 verdict for the plaintiff in New Jersey federal court, finding Indivior failed to provide adequate warnings about dental risks.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and MAUDE database:
- Over 2,300 reports of dental adverse events related to Suboxone film use have been documented since 2010
- 89% of cases involved moderate to severe tooth decay
- 64% required extensive dental work including extractions
- 37% experienced complete or near-complete tooth loss
- In January 2022, the FDA required manufacturers to include specific warnings about dental risks on drug labels after identifying 305 cases of dental problems
Suboxone Injuries & Side Effects
Suboxone film strips contain citric acid and other ingredients that can cause significant oral health damage when dissolved against gums and teeth daily.
Common Suboxone-related dental injuries include:
- Severe Tooth Decay: Rapid deterioration of tooth enamel and dentin
- Dental Cavities: Multiple cavities developing simultaneously across teeth
- Tooth Loss: Partial or complete loss of teeth requiring dentures or implants
- Gum Disease: Inflammation, recession, and periodontal disease
- Dental Abscesses: Painful infections requiring emergency treatment
- Jaw Pain/TMJ: Chronic pain and limited jaw mobility
- Bone Loss: Deterioration of jawbone structure supporting teeth
Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit if:
- You used Suboxone film strips between 2010 and the present
- You experienced severe dental issues including tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss within a reasonable time after starting Suboxone
- Your dental problems required professional treatment such as fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, or dental implants
- You can provide medical documentation linking your dental injuries to Suboxone use
- You had no significant history of severe dental problems prior to Suboxone use
Evidence Required for a Suboxone Lawsuit
Successful claims typically require:
- Medical records documenting Suboxone prescriptions (dates, dosages)
- Dental records showing the progression and timing of dental issues
- Statements from dental professionals connecting injuries to medication
- Photos of dental damage (when available)
- Proof of continued treatment and related expenses
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation in Suboxone lawsuits may include:
- Medical and dental treatment costs (past and future)
- Lost wages due to dental appointments and recovery time
- Pain and suffering from dental procedures and oral health issues
- Emotional distress related to appearance changes and lifestyle limitations
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious manufacturer behavior
Suboxone Recall Information
While no official recall has been issued specifically for dental risks, in 2022 the FDA required manufacturers to update labeling with stronger warnings.
Indivior has faced separate legal issues, including a $1.4 billion settlement with the Department of Justice in 2020 related to fraudulent marketing practices.
Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits
The time limit to file a Suboxone lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from 1-3 years from:
- The date you discovered your dental injuries, or
- The date you made the connection between Suboxone and your dental problems, or
- The date the FDA issued warnings about the connection (January 2022)
New Jersey has a 2-year statute of limitations for product liability claims. Consulting with an attorney promptly is crucial as these deadlines are strictly enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Suboxone class action lawsuit about?
The Suboxone class action lawsuit alleges that manufacturer Indivior failed to warn patients and healthcare providers about severe dental risks associated with the medication. Plaintiffs claim the company knew or should have known about the risk of tooth decay and other dental issues but failed to provide adequate warnings on product labels.
2. How much are Suboxone tooth decay settlements worth?
Current Suboxone tooth decay settlements range from $25,000 to $150,000 depending on factors including severity of dental injuries, extent of treatment required, and permanent damage. The first bellwether trial in July 2024 resulted in a $125,000 verdict. Mass tort settlements typically consider individual circumstances rather than providing identical amounts to all plaintiffs.
3. How long does it take to settle a Suboxone lawsuit?
Most Suboxone lawsuits are resolving within 12-24 months from filing, though complex cases may take longer. Bellwether trials began in 2024, with settlement discussions now underway. Individual case timelines depend on injury severity, strength of evidence, and court scheduling in your jurisdiction.
4. Can I still file a Suboxone lawsuit if I’m currently taking the medication?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit while still taking Suboxone if you’ve experienced dental injuries. However, you should never discontinue medication without consulting your doctor. Your legal claim focuses on the manufacturer’s failure to warn about risks, not on the medication’s therapeutic value.
5. How is dental damage from Suboxone different from regular tooth decay?
Dental professionals report that Suboxone-related decay often presents in unusual patterns, frequently affecting front teeth and areas where the film is placed. The decay typically progresses rapidly and may affect multiple teeth simultaneously, unlike typical cavity patterns that develop gradually in cavity-prone areas.
6. Will filing a lawsuit affect my ability to receive Suboxone treatment?
No, filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer will not affect your ability to receive Suboxone prescriptions. The lawsuit targets the company’s failure to warn about risks, not the medication itself or your healthcare providers.
7. What if I used generic buprenorphine/naloxone, not brand-name Suboxone?
You may still qualify for compensation if you used generic buprenorphine/naloxone film strips and experienced dental injuries. Claims against generic manufacturers follow similar legal principles regarding failure to warn about known risks.
8. How do I prove my dental problems were caused by Suboxone?
Proving causation typically requires dental records showing good oral health before Suboxone use, documentation of when you began using the medication, regular dental visits showing the progression of decay, and expert testimony from dental professionals linking your specific injuries to the medication.
See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys have covered so far.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Suboxone-related dental injuries. State statutes of limitations may restrict your right to compensation if you wait too long to file a claim.
Our firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations with experienced attorneys
- No upfront costs or fees for representation
- Payment only if we win your case through settlement or verdict
- Dedicated case managers who understand addiction treatment challenges
Don’t delay seeking legal help if you’ve suffered from Suboxone-related dental problems. Once deadlines pass, you may permanently lose your right to compensation regardless of injury severity.