Pennsylvania Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

Quick Summary

• The Pennsylvania Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is progressing, with more individuals reporting severe dental issues linked to the medication. This article covers the latest lawsuit updates and guides how you can pursue a claim if you have been affected.
• If you or someone you know has experienced dental issues as a result of Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is prepared to assist. Known for their strong advocacy for plaintiffs, their goal is to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by leveraging their expertise and dedication in managing Suboxone tooth decay cases. Our successful history showcases our capability to steer clients through intricate legal procedures and help them obtain the deserved compensation.

If you or someone you know has experienced dental issues due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, can provide the support and representation needed to navigate your claim successfully by:

• Offering personalized legal strategies tailored to your situation.
• Compiling crucial evidence and liaising with medical experts.
• Providing empathetic support and regular communication throughout the process.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits, as well as suboxone teeth lawsuits, have been making headlines in 2024 as more individuals come forward to share their experiences with this medication and its severe dental side effects.

Currently, there are about 500 product liability lawsuits pending against the manufacturers of Suboxone. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of severe tooth decay linked to Suboxone use, leading to suboxone tooth decay litigation.

One of the key allegations in these lawsuits is that Suboxone, particularly the prescription Suboxone film, causes tooth erosion and decay due to its acidic ingredient. Plaintiffs argue that Indivior, the manufacturer, did not sufficiently warn users about these potential dental hygiene issues.

This has led to significant dental injuries for many users, including tooth extractions, cavities, and tooth loss.

In February 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation centralized these lawsuits for coordinated pretrial proceedings and early bellwether trials.

This consolidation into an MDL (multidistrict litigation) aims to streamline the legal process and ensure consistency in the handling of these cases. The next status conference hearing for the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is scheduled for April 16, 2024, at 2 PM.

As the lawsuit advances, staying updated with the most recent developments is crucial. Whether you are a plaintiff or simply interested in the case, understanding the intricacies of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit can provide valuable insights into this ongoing legal battle.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone and helps individuals manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and reduce dependency. It’s commonly prescribed as a sublingual film, which dissolves under the tongue, making it easier for patients to take their medication regularly [1].

However, this method of administration has been linked to significant dental issues due to the film’s acidic nature.

Suppose you are taking Suboxone as part of an opioid addiction treatment and experiencing any dental issues. In that case, it is important to consult with your dentist and discuss potential solutions or alternative methods of administration.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

Suboxone, while effective in treating opioid addiction, has been linked to a range of severe dental side effects.

According to MedicalNewsToday, common dental injuries alleged in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits include [2]:

• oral infections
• degradation of tooth enamel
• tooth extractions
• cavities
• tooth loss

Patients have reported experiencing sudden and severe dental issues shortly after starting Suboxone treatment, leading to significant pain and financial burden.

Another side effect of Suboxone use, dry mouth, or xerostomia, also contributes to dental decay. Reduced saliva production can lead to a higher concentration of oral bacteria, which can cause cavities and gum disease.

Studies have shown that Suboxone use alters the balance of oral bacteria, further increasing the risk of 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.

Scientific Research on Suboxone and Dental Health

According to JAMA, for almost a decade, research has explored the connection between Suboxone use and dental problems. Studies suggest that Suboxone’s acidic nature can weaken tooth enamel, leading to severe decay [3].

Researchers propose that increased oral acidity, decreased salivary flow, and increased virulence of Streptococcus mutans contribute to these issues. Numerous adverse dental outcomes reported to the FDA support these hypotheses.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

In 2022, the FDA released a Drug Safety Communication to caution about the dental hazards linked to buprenorphine medications like Suboxone. This warning came in response to numerous reports of severe dental injuries.

The FDA highlighted that medications dissolving in the mouth, such as Suboxone, pose significant risks to dental health [4].

The FDA’s warning was supported by peer-reviewed medical studies and a large number of adverse event reports filed by Suboxone users. These reports prompted the FDA to mandate a revision of Suboxone’s safety label in June 2022 to include warnings about tooth erosion and decay.

The updated label references serious dental injuries and emphasizes the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while using Suboxone.

This public alert holds substantial implications for patients and healthcare providers alike. It underscores the need for heightened awareness of the dental risks associated with Suboxone and the importance of regular dental check-ups for those using the medication.

The FDA’s actions also strengthen the case for individuals pursuing legal action against the manufacturers of Suboxone for failing to adequately warn about these risks.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must clearly establish the connection between Suboxone use and ensuing dental problems. If individuals have experienced cavities, tooth loss, or enamel erosion following Suboxone use, they might be qualified to pursue legal action.

For further assistance, you should consult a legal professional. Specifically, individuals who have lost three or more teeth or had three or more tooth extractions due to Suboxone use are strong candidates for legal action.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Currently, the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Pennsylvania is incorporated into a larger multidistrict litigation (MDL) that has amalgamated several federal cases for synchronized pretrial proceedings. This consolidation is intended to simplify the legal process and ensure uniform case handling.

Federal Suboxone lawsuits are now managed under MDL, with the Northern District of Ohio being a key jurisdiction for these proceedings.

Judge Calabrese, overseeing the Suboxone MDL, has issued several pretrial orders to manage the litigation effectively. These orders include handling privileged materials and protecting information during pretrial discovery.

The denial of the defense’s motion for bifurcation, which aimed to separate general causation from specific plaintiff cases, is expected to accelerate the litigation process.

The next hearing for the consolidation of Suboxone lawsuits into an MDL is scheduled for January 25, 2024. Key contested issues in the upcoming hearings include:

• Electronically stored information (ESI)
• Specific requests for production (RFPs)
• The order of discovery
• The timing of a plaintiff’s fact sheet

Over 500 plaintiffs are predicted to file Suboxone lawsuits by mid-summer, indicating the significant scale of this suboxone class action lawsuit and the growing importance of suboxone litigation.

As the legal proceedings progress, plaintiffs and potential lawsuit filers need to stay updated about the latest developments and court decisions. The status of the Suboxone lawsuit in Pennsylvania reflects the broader efforts to hold the manufacturers accountable for the dental risks associated with this medication.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Pennsylvania

The prospective settlement amounts for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Pennsylvania can greatly differ, depending on each case’s specifics.

Plaintiffs can potentially recover both economic and non-economic damages, which include compensation for:

• dental treatment costs
• ongoing dental care
• emotional distress
• other related issues caused by Suboxone

Average settlements for Suboxone tooth decay claims generally fall between $50,000 to $150,000. Recent estimates by mass tort attorneys suggest that successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits may have average settlement payout values ranging from $30,000 to $150,000, reflecting the wide range of potential compensation based on individual circumstances.

Individual cases may see higher or lower amounts based on factors such as the degree of negligence demonstrated by the manufacturer and the impact of the dental issues on the plaintiff’s quality of life.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Initiating a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Pennsylvania encompasses various key steps, beginning with a consultation with a specialized attorney proficient in pharmaceutical litigation. These legal professionals can evaluate your case, determine if you have a valid claim, and guide you through the complex legal process. The initial consultation is crucial for understanding your rights and options.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Legal strategies for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits commonly prioritize demonstrating general causation, as highlighted by Indivior’s legal team. This strategy strives to confirm the link between Suboxone and dental problems before exploring individual plaintiff cases.

However, plaintiffs’ attorneys argue against bifurcated discovery, which could delay individual lawsuits and settlements.

The litigation includes claims that the defendants failed to adequately warn about Suboxone’s severe dental risks prior to 2022. Plaintiffs assert that a dual-track discovery approach addressing both specific and general causation can prevent undue delays and facilitate quicker resolutions.

This strategy ensures that the litigation progresses without unnecessary complications and that plaintiffs can obtain justice in a timely manner.

As of June 2024, a tolling agreement exists for non-diverse plaintiffs in the state court, suspending the statute of limitations until mid-2025. This agreement provides a window of opportunity for affected individuals to file their lawsuits without being barred by time constraints.

However, plaintiffs’ counsel must navigate various legal challenges to build a compelling case and secure favorable outcomes for their clients.

Types of Evidence To Present

Presenting strong evidence is crucial for a successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit.

Key evidence includes:

• Dates of Suboxone use
• Dental symptoms
• Conversations with your doctor about the medication’s effects on your oral health
• Prescriptions showing dosage, changes in dosage, and duration of use

Maintaining detailed dental records is vital to demonstrate the extent of the dental damage and provide a timeline of the issues. Additionally, keeping copies of any paperwork or notes from conversations with your healthcare providers about Suboxone’s impact on your teeth can strengthen your case.

Photographing the dental decay can provide valuable visual evidence for the jury or defendants. This can help them understand the full extent of the decay and its impact on their life.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years. This means that plaintiffs must file their claims within two years of discovering the dental issues caused by Suboxone use.

Plaintiffs should be aware of this approaching deadline and take prompt action to ensure their claims are filed on time.

Related Articles:

• South Carolina Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Virginia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Illinois Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Pennsylvania Suboxone Lawyers

The Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm stands ready to assist you during these difficult times. If you or a loved one has experienced complications and suffered severe tooth decay from medications like Suboxone, please reach out to us. Our team has a wealth of experience in managing such cases and will guide you through the legal process.

We will clarify your rights and determine your eligibility for a lawsuit related to these complications. Receive a free case evaluation, and remember, we only charge fees if we win your case.

Rest assured, 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://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799415
4. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-dental-problems