Virginia Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Latest 2024 Updates

Quick Summary

• Suppose you are seeking the latest updates on the Virginia Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. In that case, this article provides comprehensive information on the ongoing Suboxone lawsuit against Suboxone’s manufacturer for causing severe tooth decay. It includes the latest progress in the lawsuit, eligibility criteria, and guidance on how to seek legal help if you are affected.
• 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 Suboxone tooth decay claims by understanding the complexities and emotional toll of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits and suboxone teeth lawsuits. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in handling cases related to severe dental injuries, including tooth extractions, caused by prescription medications like Suboxone.

Our services include:

• Gathering evidence
• Negotiating settlements
• Advocating for your rights
• Helping you achieve justice

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Overview

The Suboxone litigation has seen a significant rise in recent years, reflecting the growing awareness of the dental risks associated with the medication. Indivior Inc., the manufacturer of Suboxone, faces multiple lawsuits alleging that long-term use of the drug leads to severe tooth decay and other dental injuries.

These allegations claim that Indivior rushed Suboxone to market without adequately informing users about its impact on tooth enamel.

To streamline the legal proceedings, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has discussed consolidating these federal lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation (MDL).

This process aims to:

• Organize and expedite discovery
• Facilitate motion hearings
• Coordinate pretrial rulings
• Ensure consistency across cases
• Allow plaintiffs to maintain their claims

Consolidating into an MDL is a pivotal measure in dealing with the rising count of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.

With over 10,000 claims involving severe dental decay and 205 cases pending as of May 1, 2024, this approach helps streamline the legal process. It provides a structured path for plaintiffs seeking justice and compensation for their dental injuries.

What Is Suboxone?

According to EMA, Suboxone is a medication approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat opioid addiction. It contains two main components: buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist [1].

Buprenorphine helps mitigate misuse and ease withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone blocks the effects of opioids like heroin and morphine. This combination makes Suboxone an effective tool in opioid addiction treatment.

Designed to be taken by dissolving under the tongue, Suboxone’s administration method is intended to reduce the potential for abuse.

However, this sublingual delivery also introduces risks, particularly related to dental health. The acidic nature of Suboxone can wear away tooth enamel, leading to significant dental issues over time.

Suboxone has been instrumental in combating opioid use disorder by providing an alternative solution for individuals grappling with opioid addiction.

Despite its benefits, the medication’s impact on dental health has raised serious concerns, prompting numerous lawsuits and a call for greater transparency about its risks.

Suboxone Side Effects and Symptoms

One of the most concerning side effects of Suboxone is its impact on dental health. The medication’s acidic nature can wear away enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay.

Suboxone has a pH level of 3.4, which is significantly acidic, comparable to substances like vinegar and orange juice. This acidity, combined with the medication’s tendency to cause dry mouth (xerostomia), creates an environment that promotes tooth decay.

The FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System has revealed a significantly elevated frequency of dental disorder reports linked to the use of buprenorphine medications.

According to MedicalNewsToday, this highlights a potential association between the two. Patients have reported severe dental issues, including [2]:

• broken teeth
• cracked teeth
• gum infections
• extensive tooth decay

In fact, some studies suggest that long-term use of Suboxone can lead to significant dental problems due to changes in oral bacteria balance and decreased saliva production.

Anecdotal evidence and research from as early as 2007 have indicated a potential link between the prescription suboxone film and severe tooth decay.

Despite these findings, the FDA did not update Suboxone’s warning label to explicitly mention the risk of severe dental decay and other dental injuries until 2022.

FDA Warnings Regarding Suboxone

In June 2022, the FDA took a significant step by updating the warning label for Suboxone to include the risks of severe tooth decay and other dental issues. This decision was influenced by over 300 reports of dental damage related to Suboxone use. The updated warning label specifically mentions the risk of severe dental decay, oral infections, and tooth loss [3].

The FDA decided to update the warning label after identifying a causal link between sublingual Suboxone use and poor dental outcomes.

Before this update, Indivior Inc. had not adequately informed users about the potential dental risks of Suboxone. This lack of transparency has been a central issue in the ongoing lawsuits against the company.

The updated warning label serves as a critical piece of evidence in the Suboxone tooth decay litigation. It underscores the importance of informing patients about the risks associated with their medications and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to provide adequate warnings. For many plaintiffs, this updated label validates their claims and strengthens their case against Indivior.

How Do You Qualify for a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you must have experienced significant dental injuries after taking Suboxone. Individuals who have lost three or more teeth due to Suboxone use are typically eligible to sue.

Eligibility also hinges on the timing of your Suboxone use. If you used physician-prescribed Suboxone film before the warning label update in June 2022 and suffered severe tooth decay, you may qualify for a lawsuit. Proper documentation of your Suboxone usage and dental injuries is crucial in establishing a strong case.

The 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

The Status Of The Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Virginia

As of July 2024, the federal suboxone lawsuits, including Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in Virginia, are actively progressing, with cases consolidated before Judge Philip Calabrese in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

On June 26, 2024, Judge Calabrese issued an order ruling against Indivior’s motion for bifurcation, ensuring that general and specific causation issues proceed together.

The consolidation into multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a critical development, aiming to streamline the legal process and provide consistent rulings across cases.

Key details about the MDL:

• Plaintiffs have submitted a list of over 10,000 claims involving severe dental decay related to Suboxone use
• Close to 50,000 plaintiffs are expected in the Suboxone class action lawsuit
• The next status conference is set for September 4, 2024, where further developments are anticipated.

The resolution of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Virginia is likely to take two to three years. However, the progress made so far indicates a strong push towards justice for the victims.

As the legal proceedings continue, affected individuals are encouraged to stay informed and seek legal assistance to ensure their rights are protected.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Virginia

Potential settlement amounts in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits vary based on the severity of dental injuries and other factors.

Plaintiffs may receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

The average Suboxone settlement is estimated to be between $25,000 and over $150,000, with individual settlements potentially ranging from $50,000 to over $190,000 per plaintiff.

Determining the amount of compensation for dental injuries caused by Suboxone use depends heavily on their extent and severity. This factor is paramount in estimating the victim’s impact. Specific damages being claimed include extensive dental expenses, pain and suffering, and irreversible damage.

Filing a Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit in Virginia

Filing a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Virginia involves several key steps. First, individuals who have suffered severe tooth decay after being prescribed Suboxone should consult with experienced lawyers who specialize in these cases. The lawsuit process often starts with a free consultation to assess the validity of the claim.

Legal Strategies and Challenges

Navigating the legal landscape of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits involves several strategic considerations and challenges. One significant legal challenge is the dispute over handling electronic documents during discovery.

Plaintiffs often push for streamlined processes to avoid delays, while defendants may argue feasibility issues to prolong proceedings.

Proving causation is another major hurdle. Establishing a direct link between Suboxone use and dental issues requires robust evidence and expert testimony.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys argue for integrated discovery to ensure efficiency, as separating general causation from case-specific issues could misallocate resources and prolong litigation.

Recent rulings have supported the plaintiffs’ stance, emphasizing the benefits of integrated discovery for the progression of Suboxone lawsuits.

Additionally, defendants may argue that the statute of limitations has expired, particularly in states with shorter limitation periods. This makes timely legal action and effective legal representation crucial for plaintiffs to overcome these challenges and successfully pursue their claims.

Types of Evidence To Present

To support claims related to dental injuries caused by Suboxone, plaintiffs should gather and document the following information:

• Medical records showing Suboxone prescriptions and the duration of use
• Dates of Suboxone usage, tooth-related symptoms, and doctor consultations to establish a timeline and link between the medication and dental injuries
• Copies of any correspondence with doctors or dentists regarding Suboxone’s impact on dental health

This information will provide valuable context and support claims.

Expert witnesses can play a pivotal role in demonstrating how Suboxone causes tooth decay.

These experts can provide:

• Testimony on the medication’s acidic nature.
• Its effects on oral health.
• The plausibility of the claimed dental injuries.

Plaintiffs can fortify their cases and enhance the likelihood of a successful resolution by assembling exhaustive evidence and utilizing expert perspectives.

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

The statute of limitations for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit in Virginia is two years from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.

Understanding this timeframe is essential to ensure you file your lawsuit within the legal limits after suffering adverse effects from Suboxone.

Related Articles:

• South Carolina Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
• Louisiana 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 Virginia 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, please reach out to us. Our seasoned team specializes in such cases and will navigate you through 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 care as if you were part 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