New Jersey Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• Are you dealing with severe tooth decay after using Suboxone in New Jersey? You might be eligible for a New Jersey Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. These lawsuits aim to hold the manufacturers accountable for not adequately warning users about the dental risks associated with the long-term use of prescription Suboxone film.
• In this article, we’ll provide the latest updates for 2024, explain the lawsuit process, and discuss your eligibility. Learn how you can seek compensation and hold the manufacturers accountable.
• 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 guiding you through the intricate legal process and advocating for the restitution you’re entitled to. Experiencing dental issues due to Suboxone can be immensely stressful and painful.

At S&C, our seasoned team is committed to supporting you every step of the way by offering:

• Complimentary initial consultation to assess your situation and plan of action
• Specialized expertise in federal Suboxone lawsuits, from gathering evidence to court representation
• No-win, no-fee policy, ensuring no upfront legal fees

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits concerning tooth decay caused by Suboxone have emerged as a major legal concern, impacting numerous people who were prescribed this drug for opioid addiction treatment.

These lawsuits focus on the severe dental injuries that users have experienced, which they claim were not adequately disclosed by the manufacturer. The litigation aims to hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to warn patients about these risks.

Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is widely used to help people overcome opioid dependence. Unfortunately, numerous users have reported severe tooth decay and other dental problems, leading to a surge in lawsuits.

These legal actions are not just about seeking compensation but also about raising awareness and ensuring that adequate warnings are provided to future patients.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has consolidated many of these cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This consolidation is part of the Suboxone class action lawsuit, which involves multiple plaintiffs and aims to address the drug manufacturer’s alleged misconduct.

This consolidation aims to streamline the pre-trial process, making it more efficient to handle the large number of claims. If you have suffered severe dental issues after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to join this litigation.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a prescription medication designed to treat opioid dependence. The medication contains buprenorphine and naloxone as its active ingredients, making it one of the most effective buprenorphine medications [1].

Available in both dissolvable tablets and sublingual films, the physician prescribed Suboxone film to be administered under the tongue or against the cheek. This method of administration is intended to maximize its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction.

However, the sublingual form has been linked to severe dental issues, as it creates a moist environment that can lead to tooth decay.

Suboxone is considered less habit-forming than other medications to treat opioid addiction, like methadone, making it a popular choice among physicians.

It is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive recovery plan that includes counseling and regular medical care. Despite its benefits, the dental risks associated with Suboxone have raised significant concerns.

Suboxone tooth decay claims often require substantial evidence to support the allegations, including medical records and expert testimony.

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

Although Suboxone proves efficient in treating opioid addiction, it has a range of side effects, especially those related to dental health.

Suboxone tooth decay litigation has emerged due to the alleged connection between Suboxone use and severe tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental injuries. Legal developments include the consolidation of individual lawsuits into multidistrict litigation, supported by scientific evidence and eligibility criteria for individuals to file these lawsuits.

According to MedicalNewsToday, many users have reported experiencing the following [2]:

• Severe tooth decay
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss

These dental issues are believed to be linked to the way Suboxone is administered and its impact on saliva production.

The main issues with Suboxone may include the following:

• Dry Mouth: A common side effect of Suboxone, reduced saliva production creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Sublingual Films: These dissolve under the tongue, maintaining a moist environment that can erode tooth enamel over time.
• Receding Gums: Users have reported receding gums, which expose the sensitive parts of the teeth and increase the risk of infections and cavities.
• Severe Tooth Decay: Some users have suffered severe tooth decay, which has led to multiple tooth extractions due to the extent of the damage.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

In January 2022, the FDA circulated a drug safety alert warning about the dental hazards linked to Suboxone and other medications containing buprenorphine [3].

This warning came after numerous reports of severe dental injuries, including tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss, from users of sublingual forms of the medication.

The FDA required manufacturers to include specific warnings about dental risks in both the prescribing information and patient medication guides. This was done to ensure that patients and healthcare providers were aware of the potential dental risks associated with the medication.

Between 2007 and 2021, the FDA received at least 136 reports of oral health issues related to Suboxone use. These reports highlighted a range of dental problems, from minor cavities to severe tooth decay and loss.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have used Suboxone sublingual strips before the updated warning label was issued in June 2022 and have suffered severe dental issues as a result. Eligibility also depends on the impact on your dental health and the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction.

If you were not informed about these risks and have suffered severe dental injuries, you might have a strong case. This lack of warning is a critical component in many lawsuits, as it demonstrates negligence on the part of the manufacturer.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in New Jersey

The Suboxone lawsuit in New Jersey is presently in a pivotal phase. As of 2024, numerous cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio. This ongoing legal battle concerns the drug’s potential to cause tooth decay and other dental injuries without adequate warnings.

This consolidation aims to streamline the pre-trial process by combining discoveries, hearings, and other legal procedures, making it more efficient to handle a large number of claims.

The following is a timeline of the key events that have been occurring:

January 2024:

• Judge Calabrese oversees the MDL and presides over recent developments involving arguments about the sequencing of causation evidence in the lawsuits.
• Discussions center on whether general causation evidence should be addressed before specific causation issues. This debate is crucial because it will determine the direction of the discovery process and how quickly cases can move forward.

November 2023:

• Fourteen new product liability lawsuits were filed in federal courts against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone.
• This highlights the growing number of people coming forward with claims. More lawsuits are expected to be filed before the MDL hearing at the end of January 2024.

Ongoing:

• One significant milestone in the ongoing lawsuits is the discovery that Indivior did not warn patients about the potential for severe tooth decay caused by the medication.
• This failure to provide adequate warnings has been a focal point in many of the cases, strengthening the plaintiffs’ position.

The centralization of these cases into an MDL aims to make the legal process more efficient and manageable. If you have suffered severe dental issues after taking Suboxone, you may be eligible to join this litigation.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in New Jersey

Settlement sums in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits can differ considerably, contingent on the severity of the dental injuries and the resultant impact on the victim’s life.

On average, the Suboxone settlements are projected to range from $25,000 to upwards of $150,000, contingent on the particulars of each case. If you believe you are entitled to compensation, the next section will guide you through the process of filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in New Jersey.

Compensation typically covers a range of expenses, including:

• Dental Treatments: Implants, dentures, fillings, root canals, extractions, and other necessary procedures.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from dental procedures and emotional distress from severe dental injuries.
• Lost Income: Missed work, lost job opportunities, or demotions due to dental issues.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in New Jersey

The process of lodging a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in New Jersey comprises several key steps. The first step is to reach out for a free consultation with a specialized lawyer who can evaluate your case. This initial consultation is crucial for understanding your rights, the strength of your claim, and the legal process involved.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal tactics in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits chiefly concentrate on establishing causation and steering through the complexities of the legal system. Some of the challenges include:

1. Handling and producing electronic documents during discovery: Plaintiffs often argue for a streamlined process, while defendants may claim that the requests are too demanding. The court has emphasized the need for integrated discovery, denying motions to separate general causation from other discovery aspects.
2. Handling privileged and safeguarded information during the pre-trial discovery phase: The court has set guidelines to protect sensitive data, aiming to prevent the waiver of privilege or work-product protections.

Defense attorneys frequently contest proposed tolling agreements, contending that they could give rise to lawsuits that may not have been filed under normal circumstances. This opposition can complicate the legal process, requiring plaintiffs to be diligent in filing their claims within the statute of limitations.

Overcoming these obstacles necessitates a proficient legal team with experience in managing intricate litigation.

Types of Evidence To Present

Constructing a persuasive Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit calls for the collection of robust evidence. The strength of the evidence can greatly impact the success of the case.

The most crucial pieces of evidence include:

• Medical Records: These provide a detailed account of your health history, including when you started taking Suboxone and any dental issues that have arisen since then. They are essential for proving that your dental problems are a direct result of Suboxone use.
• Dental Reports: These document the extent of your dental injuries and the treatments you’ve undergone. They can include x-rays, treatment plans, and notes from your dentist, all of which provide concrete evidence of the damage caused by Suboxone.
• Prescriptions and Proof of Suboxone Use: These documents show that you have prescribed Suboxone and used it as directed, which is crucial for establishing causation.

In addition to these primary pieces of evidence, it can also be helpful to collect any receipts or invoices related to your dental treatments. This documentation helps quantify the financial burden you’ve experienced and supports your claim for compensation.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in New Jersey is generally three to five years, depending on the specifics of your case. This timeframe determines the period within which you must file your lawsuit after experiencing adverse effects like tooth decay.

In some cases, the discovery rule may extend the statute of limitations. This rule allows the clock to start when the plaintiff discovered or should have discovered, that Suboxone caused the injury.

Related Articles:

• Indiana 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 New Jersey Suboxone Lawyers

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

Our team possesses extensive expertise in managing such cases and will navigate the legal process on your behalf. We will elucidate your rights and evaluate your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications.

Take advantage of our free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case. You can rely on our unwavering commitment to your case, treating it with the same care 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