New York Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Key 2024 Updates

Quick Summary

• The New York Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit saw significant updates in 2024. If you’re affected by severe dental issues caused by Suboxone, we’ll cover the latest court developments, key deadlines, and steps to join the lawsuit.
• If you or someone you know has faced issues due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is prepared to assist. With a solid reputation for representing plaintiffs, we are committed to obtaining the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by navigating the complexities of Suboxone tooth decay litigation, making the process simpler with experienced legal representation.

Our dedicated attorneys at S&C specialize in Suboxone lawsuits. They are dedicated to protecting your rights and ensuring your voice is heard.

With extensive expertise in the legal intricacies of Suboxone tooth decay claims, we can:

• Tailor legal strategies designed to fit your specific circumstances.
• Gather vital evidence to manage multidistrict litigation (MDL); our attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of Suboxone litigation’s subtleties.
• Construct a compelling case for you, utilizing our vast experience to counter the defense’s arguments and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits have garnered significant attention due to the severe dental issues faced by users. As of May 1, 2024, there are 205 pending cases in the MDL in the Northern District of Ohio, with the number continuing to rise. This surge underscores the widespread dental impact of Suboxone and the urgent need for accountability.

Plaintiffs allege that Suboxone, especially in its sublingual film form, causes severe tooth decay and other dental injuries. They argue that manufacturers failed to warn users about these risks despite scientific evidence linking Suboxone to dental erosion.

The legal battle has seen significant developments, including disputes over electronic documents and the discovery process.

For anyone considering joining the lawsuit, it’s important to understand the background and current status of the Suboxone tooth decay litigation. We will now explore Suboxone in more detail and understand its role in these legal confrontations.

What Is Suboxone?

According to AAC, Suboxone is a combination drug containing buprenorphine and naloxone, primarily used to treat opioid addiction [1].

Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the high associated with other opioids. In contrast, naloxone, an opioid antagonist, blocks the effects of opioids, particularly when prescribed Suboxone is abused by injection.

Buprenorphine medications like Suboxone have proven to be effective in the treatment of opioid addiction.

Administered as a dissolvable prescription Suboxone film placed under the tongue or in the cheek, Suboxone is used both for induction to stabilize withdrawal symptoms and maintenance treatment for recovery.

Despite its effectiveness in treating opioid addiction, suboxone sublingual films’ formulation has raised concerns due to its potential to cause severe dental issues, leading to ongoing litigation.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

Despite its effectiveness in opioid addiction treatment, Suboxone is associated with certain side effects. Among the most troubling are the dental issues reported by many users. Suboxone’s acidic solution can wear away enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

This has led to a significant number of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits as users seek compensation for the severe dental problems they have experienced.

According to MedicalNewsToday, some of the dental issues associated with Suboxone use include [2]:

• Tooth decay
• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss

If you are taking Suboxone and experiencing dental problems, seek dental care immediately. Suboxone-induced dry mouth reduces saliva, which normally neutralizes acids and lowers harmful bacteria buildup. This can lead to tooth decay and other dental issues.

Suboxone film strips and residue can create an acidic environment, further damaging teeth. Long-term use causes enamel erosion, resulting in weaker teeth and higher susceptibility to decay and fractures. These issues are central in ongoing Suboxone litigation, with many plaintiffs claiming severe dental injuries.

In 2022, a new study discovered that individuals using Suboxone were at a greater risk of experiencing dental issues compared to those using other medications for opioid use disorder. This risk was particularly elevated for those with pre-existing dental problems.

The study, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, revealed that Suboxone users had more of a risk of:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• dry mouth
• oral infections

than those using other oral medications.

These studies, along with numerous reports and scientific observations, have established a significant connection between Suboxone use and dental decay. The growing body of evidence underscores the need for further investigation and accountability in the Suboxone tooth decay litigation.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

Recognizing the potential dental risks linked with Suboxone, the FDA now requires all labels for transmucosal buprenorphine products, including Suboxone, to warn about serious dental issues [3].

This is a crucial step in ensuring that both healthcare professionals and patients are aware of the potential risks.

Healthcare professionals are advised to conduct an oral history and assessment before starting patients on Suboxone treatment. Patients should be informed about the potential adverse dental effects of Suboxone and encouraged to maintain regular dental care.

These measures are intended to mitigate the risk of dental problems and ensure that patients receive appropriate care.

The FDA has issued a warning that buprenorphine-associated dental issues can occur even in patients without previous dental problems. Patients are advised to rinse their mouth with water after the medicine has dissolved and wait at least one hour before brushing their teeth.

The FDA’s actions highlight the importance of addressing the dental risks associated with Suboxone and ensuring that patients are adequately informed and protected.

This study found an increase in the risk of adverse dental outcomes associated with sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone compared with transdermal buprenorphine and oral naltrexone. Sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone is acidic in nature – Mahyar Etminan, PharmD, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must satisfy specific criteria related to the use of sublingual strips, medical history, and dental injuries. These factors will be assessed to determine eligibility for pursuing legal action.

Individuals must have lost three or more teeth following exposure to Suboxone sublingual strips to be eligible for the lawsuit. Consulting an attorney is crucial for determining eligibility and understanding the legal process.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in New York

The status of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in New York reflects the broader developments in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) taking place in the Northern District of Ohio.

As of May 1, 2024, there are 205 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits pending in the MDL. This number continues to grow as more plaintiffs come forward with claims of severe dental injuries caused by Suboxone.

Recent court orders have addressed the handling of protected information and privileged materials, ensuring a fair and transparent discovery process. On June 21, 2024, the plaintiff leadership filed a new, amended master complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio to update and revise the original complaint.

This complaint includes a schedule of over 10,000 plaintiffs, highlighting the widespread impact of Suboxone on dental health.

As of February 2, 2024, the latest development is the establishment of multidistrict litigation (MDL) by bringing together all federal lawsuits under a single judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. This consolidation aims to streamline the litigation process and ensure that all cases are handled efficiently and consistently.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in New York

Settlement amounts for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in New York vary based on the severity of dental injuries and medical expenses. Compensation can cover past, current, and future dental treatments like fillings, root canals, and extractions. Plaintiffs may also receive reimbursement for lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs.

Typical settlements range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the case specifics. In some instances, punitive damages may be awarded if the pharmaceutical company’s actions were particularly egregious. Understanding these potential amounts helps plaintiffs set realistic expectations and prepare for the legal process.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in New York

Several critical steps are involved in filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in New York. The first and arguably most important step is consulting a specialized attorney to assess the strength of your claim.

An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping you understand the eligibility criteria and the best approach. Gathering medical records and documentation of Suboxone prescriptions is vital for substantiating your injury claims.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Navigating a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit involves understanding and addressing several key legal strategies and challenges:

General and Specific Causation

• General Causation: Establishes whether Suboxone can cause tooth decay in general, supported by medical literature and studies.
• Specific Causation: Links the plaintiff’s dental issues directly to Suboxone use, requiring detailed evidence and expert testimonies.

Demonstrating Manufacturer Awareness

• Challenge: Proving that the manufacturer was aware of Suboxone’s dental risks but failed to warn users.
• Approach: Plaintiffs’ lawyers must demonstrate that Suboxone’s formulation specifically caused the plaintiff’s dental issues.

Understanding these legal strategies and overcoming these challenges is crucial for navigating the complexities of Suboxone tooth decay litigation.

Types of Evidence To Present

For a successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, presenting strong evidence is essential. Here are the key types of evidence you should gather:

• Detailed Dental Records:
  • Document the progression of tooth decay and treatments after starting Suboxone.
  • Provide a clear timeline of the damage caused by the medication.
• Expert Testimony:
  • Obtain insights from dental professionals on how Suboxone’s formulation and side effects contribute to dental problems.
  • Establish the link between Suboxone use and tooth decay.
• Photographs and X-rays:
  • Show the condition of teeth before and after Suboxone use.
  • Visually demonstrate the damage caused by the medication.
• Medical Literature and Studies:
  • Highlight the connection between Suboxone and dental decay.
  • Support your case with scientific evidence.
• Statements from Dental Professionals:
  • Provide further evidence of the extent and cause of dental damage.
  • Include observations from those who treated the plaintiff.

Gathering and presenting this evidence effectively is crucial for substantiating your injury claims and achieving a favorable outcome.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in New York is three years, counting from either the date of injury or when the injury was discovered, whichever comes later.

This discovery rule can extend the statute of limitations period, starting the clock when the injury was discovered rather than when it occurred. Patients must file Suboxone lawsuits within this timeframe to seek compensation for severe tooth decay and related dental injuries.

Related Articles:

• Michigan Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Georgia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Tennessee Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our New York Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is here to assist you during these difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications from medications like Suboxone, reach out to us. Our team, with 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. Receive 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 unwavering, and we will treat it with the same care as if you were a member of our own family. Contact us today for a thorough review of your situation.

Reference:

1. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/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