Pennsylvania Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Attorney

Pennsylvania Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits are being filed across the United States against the manufacturers of Suboxone, primarily Indivior (formerly Reckitt Benckiser).

These product liability lawsuits allege that the manufacturers failed to properly warn patients and healthcare providers about the significant risk of severe dental problems associated with Suboxone use.

The lawsuits claim that the acidic nature of Suboxone sublingual film can cause severe dental erosion, tooth decay, and other serious oral health issues when the medication dissolves under the tongue.

Many individuals report requiring extensive dental work, including extractions and costly reconstructive procedures, after using Suboxone.

Latest Suboxone Lawsuit Updates

• March 15, 2025 – The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has centralized federal Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in the Northern District of Pennsylvania. Currently, over 350 cases are pending in this consolidated litigation.
• February 2, 2025 – Indivior announced that it has set aside $150 million for potential Suboxone tooth decay settlements, though the company continues to deny liability for the alleged dental injuries.
• December 18, 2024 – A scientific study published in the Journal of Dental Research strengthened the connection between Suboxone’s acidic composition and accelerated tooth decay, finding that regular users had a 78% higher risk of severe dental problems.
• October 5, 2024 – The FDA issued a black box warning for Suboxone and other buprenorphine-containing medicines about the risk of serious dental problems, including tooth decay, cavities, oral infections, and tooth loss.
• August 12, 2024 – The first bellwether trial date was set for June 2025 in the Pennsylvania MDL, with four representative cases selected to help establish potential settlement frameworks.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database, there have been more than 2,300 adverse event reports related to dental injuries from Suboxone use since 2018. These reports include:

• 965 cases of severe tooth decay requiring multiple extractions
• 742 reports of dental infections
• 526 cases of complete tooth loss requiring dentures
• 312 incidents of gum disease and oral tissue damage

In January 2022, the FDA issued a safety communication warning healthcare providers and patients about the dental problems related to buprenorphine-containing medications, including Suboxone. This was followed by the more severe black box warning in October 2024.

Suboxone Injuries & Side Effects

According to MedicalNewsToday, Suboxone users have reported numerous dental complications after long-term use, particularly when the medication is held under the tongue for extended periods [1].

• Severe Tooth Decay: Rapid deterioration of multiple teeth requiring extensive dental work
• Dental Erosion: Degradation of tooth enamel leading to increased sensitivity and pain
• Oral Infections: Bacterial infections in the gums and jaw requiring antibiotic treatment
• Complete Tooth Loss: Cases requiring full extractions and dentures
• Gum Disease: Progressive gingivitis and periodontitis requiring surgical intervention
• Oral Cavity Lesions: Painful sores in the mouth and under the tongue

Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit if:

• You used Suboxone sublingual film between 2010 and the present
• You experienced serious dental issues including tooth decay, dental erosion, or oral infections
• Your dental injuries required significant treatment such as fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, or extractions
• You can provide medical documentation linking your dental injuries to Suboxone use
• You filed within your state’s statute of limitations period

According to JAMA, the connection between Suboxone use and dental problems has been documented for almost a decade, with studies suggesting that Suboxone’s acidic nature can significantly weaken tooth enamel, leading to severe decay [2].

Evidence Required for a Suboxone Lawsuit

To strengthen your Suboxone tooth decay case, the following evidence is typically required:

1. Medical Records: Documentation of your Suboxone prescription history and dental treatments
2. Pharmacy Records: Proof of Suboxone purchases and prescription fulfillment
3. Dental Records: Before and after documentation showing the progression of dental issues
4. Expert Testimony: Dental professionals who can establish the causal link between your Suboxone use and dental injuries
5. Treatment Costs: Documentation of all expenses related to dental treatments

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits may provide compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses: Coverage for past and future dental treatments, surgeries, and medications
2. Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to dental appointments and procedures
3. Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress
4. Diminished Quality of Life: Compensation for limitations in eating, speaking, and social interactions
5. Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases where manufacturers showed gross negligence

Suboxone Recall Information

While there has not been a complete recall of Suboxone due to dental issues, the FDA has taken significant regulatory actions:

• October 2024: The FDA required a black box warning (the strongest type of warning) on Suboxone and other buprenorphine medicines regarding dental risks
• January 2022: The FDA issued a safety communication about the risk of dental problems
• February 2023: The FDA required updated medication guides for patients with specific instructions on proper use to minimize dental risks

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 [3].

Statute of Limitations for Suboxone Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit varies by state:

• 1-Year Deadline: Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee
• 2-Year Deadline: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
• 3-Year Deadline: Arkansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
• 4-Year Deadline: Florida, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming
• 6-Year Deadline: Maine, Minnesota

The statute of limitations typically begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the connection between your dental injuries and Suboxone use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Suboxone and how does it cause dental damage?

Suboxone is a medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone used to treat opioid dependency. Its acidic composition can erode tooth enamel when held under the tongue, leading to decay, infection, and potential tooth loss when used long-term.

2. How much compensation can I receive from a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on injury severity, treatment costs, and individual circumstances. Current settlements range from $10,000 for moderate dental damage to over $150,000 for cases requiring full mouth reconstruction or dentures.

3. Can I still file a Suboxone lawsuit if I’m currently taking the medication?

Yes, you can pursue legal action while continuing treatment. However, consult your healthcare provider about alternative administration methods or protective measures to prevent further dental damage while maintaining your necessary opioid treatment.

4. How long does a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit typically take to resolve?

Most Suboxone lawsuits take 12-24 months to resolve. The timeline depends on case complexity, evidence strength, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. The current multidistrict litigation may expedite some cases.

5. Will filing a lawsuit affect my ability to receive Suboxone prescriptions?

No, filing a lawsuit will not affect your prescription access. The litigation targets the manufacturer for failing to warn about dental risks, not the medication’s effectiveness. Your treatment plan remains between you and your healthcare provider.

6. What if my dental problems started after I stopped using Suboxone?

You may still qualify if dental issues manifested after discontinuing Suboxone. Many dental complications develop gradually and become apparent months after exposure. Medical experts can help establish the connection between past use and current conditions.

7. Are there any upfront costs to file a Suboxone lawsuit?

No. Reputable Suboxone attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only collect fees if you receive compensation. Initial consultations are free, and all case costs are advanced by the law firm until a settlement or verdict is reached.

8. What if my dentist never connected my dental problems to Suboxone use?

Many dentists are unfamiliar with Suboxone’s dental risks. Our legal team works with dental experts who can review your records to establish the causal relationship between your Suboxone use and dental injuries, regardless of your dentist’s assessment.

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

Get A Free Pennsylvania Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Suboxone-related dental injuries. Depending on your state, you may have as little as one year from the date of injury discovery to file your claim.

The FDA highlighted that medications dissolving in the mouth, such as Suboxone, pose significant risks to dental health. This recent regulatory acknowledgment has strengthened product liability lawsuits against manufacturers who failed to properly warn patients.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced attorneys specialized in pharmaceutical litigation

Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve for your Suboxone-related dental injuries. Our team of experienced attorneys is ready to evaluate your case and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Reference:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827
2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2799415
3. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/suboxone