Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Utah: Are You Eligible?

Quick Summary

• If you’re looking for information on the Utah Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, this article covers the latest 2024 updates and guides on how to file a claim. Suboxone users in Utah have reported severe dental issues, which has led to a wave of legal actions against its manufacturers.
• In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about these lawsuits and what steps to take if you’ve been affected.
• If you or someone you know has experienced complications due to Suboxone, Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to assist. Renowned for effectively representing plaintiffs, our primary goal is to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal guidance and support throughout the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit process.

At S&C, we recognize the uniqueness of every case and offer personalized support to build a robust case tailored to your needs:

• We gather all necessary medical and dental records, ensuring meticulous preparation to prove liability and secure maximum compensation.
• We secure expert testimonies to strengthen your case and demonstrate the link between Suboxone use and dental issues.
• We leverage our specialized knowledge and experience in dangerous drug claims to fight for your rights and hold manufacturers accountable.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is a complex and evolving legal battle. With over 10,000 plaintiffs listed, the scale of this litigation is vast.

The federal suboxone lawsuits, including the suboxone class action lawsuit, have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio to streamline the process and handle the numerous claims more efficiently, including the suboxone lawsuit.

At the heart of these lawsuits is the allegation that Indivior, the manufacturer, failed to properly test the Suboxone film for its impact on oral health.

The acidic nature of Suboxone film can lead to demineralization of teeth, resulting in dental erosion and tooth loss. This has led to severe dental injuries for many users, forming the basis of the ongoing tooth decay litigation.

As of May 1, 2024, 205 Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits were pending in the MDL, and 692 consolidated cases were in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The litigation is still developing, with the next status conference set for September 4, 2024, indicating that the legal battle is far from over.

This overview sets the stage for a deeper dive into the specifics of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits, their current status, and what affected individuals can do.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is one of the buprenorphine medications that effectively treat opioid addiction. It is a combination medication consisting of buprenorphine and naloxone [1].

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it can activate opioid receptors in the brain but to a much lesser extent than full agonists like heroin or morphine.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. This combination makes Suboxone effective in treating opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while preventing misuse.

Suboxone is available in two forms: a tablet and a prescription suboxone film. The sublingual film is placed under the tongue or against the cheek, where it dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream.

This form has been particularly linked to dental issues due to its acidic nature, which can erode tooth enamel and lead to decay.

While Suboxone is a critical component in opioid addiction treatment, it is only one part of a comprehensive recovery plan. Effective treatment for opioid use disorder often includes substance abuse counseling and primary care to address the broader aspects of opioid addiction and help treat opioid addiction.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

While effective in treating opioid addiction, suboxone has a range of side effects, particularly concerning dental health. As a sublingual medication, it dissolves under the tongue or against the cheek, where it can directly affect the teeth and gums.

The acidic nature of the sublingual film can lead to tooth demineralization, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

According to MedicalNewsToday, the FDA has issued warnings about the serious dental issues associated with Suboxone, including [2]:

• tooth decay
• cavities
• oral infections
• tooth loss

These dental problems can manifest as teeth feeling sore or loose and may only be identified during dental checkups.

Despite these risks, many of the 2 million Americans using Suboxone each year do not report dental pain or other oral health issues. However, for those who do, the consequences can be severe.

A 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

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

The FDA has taken significant steps to inform the public about the dental risks associated with Suboxone. In recent updates, the FDA has required new warnings to be added to the prescribing information and patient Medication Guide for all buprenorphine-containing medicines that dissolve in the mouth. These warnings highlight the potential for serious dental issues [3].

Patients are advised to take extra oral care steps, such as gently rinsing their mouths with water after the medicine dissolves and waiting at least one hour before brushing their teeth.

This is to minimize the medication’s acidic impact on tooth enamel. Healthcare professionals are also recommended to screen patients for oral disease and refer them to dental care services soon after starting buprenorphine treatment.

The FDA’s warnings were prompted by reports of dental issues as early as two weeks after starting buprenorphine treatment, with a median diagnosis time of approximately two years. These findings underscore the importance of regular dental checkups for Suboxone users to catch and address dental problems early.

The severity of the issue is clear, as 305 cases of dental problems associated with buprenorphine medicines were reported to the FDA. Through its actions, the FDA aims to heighten awareness among patients and healthcare providers about the risks and the necessity of taking suitable steps to mitigate them.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have experienced deteriorating dental health after taking Suboxone. The chief eligibility criteria encompass taking Suboxone as prescribed and subsequently enduring severe dental issues like severe tooth decay, cavities, or tooth loss.

Eligibility might also depend on the specific dates of Suboxone usage and when the dental issues began. Those who used Suboxone as prescribed before 2022 and developed serious dental issues may still qualify for compensation.

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Utah

The legal environment for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Utah is constantly evolving. The next major milestone is the status conference set for September 4, 2024, which will likely provide further clarity on the direction of the litigation.

This conference will address ongoing disputes and procedural steps, giving both plaintiffs and defendants an opportunity to discuss the case’s progress.

Judge Calabrese’s recent rulings have significantly impacted the litigation process. For instance, the judge denied Indivior’s motion for bifurcation, ruling that general and specific causation are heavily intertwined.

This decision favors the plaintiffs by ensuring that the discovery process remains integrated, potentially speeding up the case’s resolution.

Despite the complexities, plaintiffs’ lawyers and Indivior are confident in moving forward with a tolling agreement to avoid filing individual lawsuits.

However, Indivior’s rejection of the proposed tolling agreement has added another layer of complexity to the Suboxone tooth decay litigation. The number of new lawsuits filed has slowed considerably, primarily due to the statute of limitations in states with shorter deadlines.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Utah

Potential settlement amounts for Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Utah can differ significantly, subject to numerous influencing factors.

Plaintiffs may seek compensation for:

• extensive dental treatments are required due to Suboxone-related tooth decay
• root canals
• tooth extractions
• dental implants

Overall, the settlement amounts are designed to compensate for the adverse dental outcomes suffered by plaintiffs due to Suboxone use. While specific settlement amounts can vary widely depending on individual circumstances, estimates suggest that plaintiffs could receive anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.

The goal is to provide financial relief and hold the manufacturers accountable for their alleged negligence in failing to warn about the dental risks associated with the medication.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Utah

Several crucial steps are involved in filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Utah. The initial step is to determine if you have a valid claim by consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in dangerous drug cases. This consultation will help you understand the legal implications and the strength of your case.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Proving general and specific causation is a primary legal strategy in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits. General causation establishes that Suboxone can cause dental issues, while specific causation links the dental problems directly to the individual’s use of Suboxone. This dual approach is crucial in building a strong case.

Obtaining and presenting comprehensive dental records to substantiate claims of Suboxone-induced tooth decay is a common challenge in these lawsuits.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers argue that without a period to investigate claims before filing, there would be a rush of potentially unsustainable lawsuits. This highlights the importance of thorough preparation and documentation.

Defendants often argue that plaintiffs’ requests for electronic documents during discovery are overly burdensome and technically infeasible, creating disputes over document production.

The court recently ruled that separating general causation from other discoveries would be inefficient, emphasizing an integrated discovery approach.

Types of Evidence To Present

Building a compelling case against the manufacturers necessitates robust evidence of Suboxone usage and consequent dental injuries.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Documented Communication: Keep records of all communication with healthcare providers regarding dental issues caused by Suboxone use. These records can demonstrate the direct impact of the medication on your dental health.
• Photos and Receipts: Photos of dental damage and receipts for dental treatments can serve as strong supporting evidence. These tangible pieces of evidence can illustrate the extent of the damage and the financial burden it has caused.
• Expert Testimony: Expert testimony linking Suboxone usage to dental issues can significantly bolster a case. Experts can provide detailed explanations of how the medication’s acidic nature leads to tooth decay, supporting the plaintiffs’ claims and strengthening the overall case.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Utah is three years. This time frame determines how long you have to file a lawsuit after suffering adverse effects.

It’s important to act swiftly because the time limits for seeking compensation through Suboxone lawsuits can vary and affect your ability to seek compensation. Taking quick action is crucial in this situation.

Related Articles:

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

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Our Utah Suboxone Lawyers

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

Our team is well-versed in managing such cases and will support you throughout the legal process. We will help you understand your rights and determine 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 dedication as if you were a member of our own family. Contact us today for a thorough review of your situation.

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