Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Suboxone is a medication commonly prescribed to individuals with opioid addiction. The medicine works by providing a way to end addiction to opioids, curb opioid withdrawal symptoms, and reduce the effects and potency of opioids taken in relapse. However, the sublingual film version of Suboxone has recently been shown to cause tooth decay and other dental injuries because it contains buprenorphine. Suboxone sublingual film has proven to be acidic and causes the degradation of the protective outer layer of teeth and tooth enamel.

If you or a loved one have experienced dental problems while taking Suboxone before 2022, you may be able to recover compensation. The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is beginning to gain traction.

Dolman Law Group is here to help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to get the money you need to pay your medical bills and rebuild your life. If you have experienced tooth decay or other dental issues after using the oral film version of Suboxone, contact us online or by calling 727-451-6900.

Recent Rise in Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuits

There has recently been a significant increase in Suboxone lawsuits. In November 2023, 14 new product liability lawsuits were filed in federal courts against Indivior, the maker of Suboxone.

This brings the total number of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits filed to over 100. This number is only expected to rise as the hundreds of thousands of people who took Suboxone and are suffering from severe dental problems, including tooth loss, come forward.

The rise in Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits is likely due to several factors. But the most common reasons are likely:

• Increased awareness that Suboxone can cause tooth decay as the word spreads
• The popularity of Suboxone to treat opioid addiction is increasing
• More people are starting to experience tooth decay and are finding out about the link when they visit their dentist for dental health issues.
• Pharmaceutical companies (such as Invidior PLC - manufacturer of Suboxone) responsible for the opioid crisis have created products designed to overcome opioid dependence, which includes Suboxone. Opioid addiction treatment has become a cottage industry itself.  Suboxone is considered best in class for the treatment of Opioid use.

Updates on the Suboxone Lawsuit - April 2024

Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date information on Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits on the internet. The Dolman Law Group (through our sister firm Dolman Russo) is representing individuals who have suffered severe tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental injuries related to using Suboxone sublingual strips. What began as the Suboxone class action lawsuit has evolved into multidistrict litigation. 

In February, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) heard arguments from both plaintiff and defense lawyers. Ultimately, the JPML opted to consolidate all federal Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits before Judge Philip Calabrese in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. 

We believe the scientific evidence in the Suboxone tooth decay litigation to be extremely strong. The vast number of adverse dental outcomes reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides indicia of how the acidic nature of sublingual Suboxone destroys tooth enamel. 

All Suboxone lawsuits to date allege that Indivior designed the sublingual medication to be acidic. Further, the lawsuits allege that Indivior knew and failed to warn consumers that Suboxone film causes severe dental injuries. 

Here are some of the latest developments in the Suboxone tooth decay litigation:

April 26. 2024 - Indivior Attempts to Slow MDL Progress by Focusing on General Causation Instead of Plaintiffs' Specific Claims

Indivior, the company that manufactures Suboxone, wants the judge to limit the current litigation to only focus on whether the drug can be scientifically linked to dental problems instead of considering whether specific plaintiffs can establish a link between their individual Suboxone use and tooth decay.

At Dolman Legal Group, we believe this tactic is simply meant to delay the litigation and frustrate the plaintiffs who need financial compensation to pay for their dental care. The theory is that, over time, some injured plaintiffs may eventually become desperate for money and accept any settlement offered to finalize their claims.

Indivior cites other Multidistrict Litigation situations in which plaintiffs were first required to provide proof that the product could harm users. However, the Suboxone MDL is different because Indivior allowed the FDA to place a warning on Suboxone related to tooth decay in 2022 without a fight. The fact that Suboxone now carries a warning about dental issues shows that Indivior and the FDA acknowledge a scientific link between using Suboxone and severe tooth decay.

A warning is usually only added to a drug label after enough users report medical issues and/or scientific studies corroborate the alleged problems. Rather than wasting time discussing general causation, our legal team hopes the court will consider both general and specific causation at the same time to resolve these matters as quickly as possible.

April 15, 2024 - Over 140 Suboxone Lawsuits now Filed in MDL

As we previously predicted, the Suboxone lawsuit has grown quickly because of the statute of limitations deadlines that affect certain states. Many of the law firms on the Suboxone plaintiff's steering committee have been furiously filing lawsuits to preserve the rights of individuals residing in states with a two-year statute of limitations. Unfortuantely, injured Suboxone users who reside in states with a two-year statute of limitations will lose their right to file a lawsuit in June 2024. Many law firms are no longer accepting those cases. 

We anticipate the Suboxone lawsuit will inevitably exceed 500 plaintiffs by mid-summer, placing pressure on Indivior to reduce their overall exposure and potentially settle these cases over the next two years. At this time, we have limited our intake to clients who have lost three or more teeth or had three or more tooth extractions. While the vast majority of prospective clients contacting our firm have begun to suffer severe tooth decay; we beleive tooth loss is required for a sustainable claim. 

April 9, 2024 - 106 Lawsuits Filed in the Suboxone MDL, Statute of Limitations Expires in June for Two-Year Injury States

The Suboxone Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) was formed in February of this year and already contains 86 lawsuits filed by people who suffered severe tooth damage after using Suboxone sublingual strips. As we mentioned below, in June 2022, the FDA required Indivior, the maker of Suboxone, to change the warning label on this product. As a result, people who were injured by Suboxone and live in a state with a two-year statute of limitations must file their Suboxone lawsuit before June 2024. Unfortunately, we are too close to this deadline to accept any more cases from people living in two-year deadline states.

At Dolman Law Group, we have also narrowed the scope of the cases we can accept to make sure the strongest cases join the pending MDL. We are currently only working with Suboxone users who have suffered the loss or extraction of three or more teeth as a result of these strips. Tooth loss has become the driving factor behind Suboxone lawsuits. The overarching goal is not to flood the Northern District of Ohio with Suboxone product liability lawsuits alleging injuries that may have a number of confounding factors or are not considered significant by the defendant manufacturer.

March 22, 2024 - Dolman Law Group is Taking Michigan Suboxone Claims

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer just signed a bipartisan bill into legislation that repeals a law that previously provided drug makers with absolute immunity from liability. Michigan had the only law in our nation that shielded drug manufacturers from product liability claims.

Michigan has a three-year statute of limitations for product liability claims. Thus, we will be accepting Michigan Suboxone tooth decay claims until late May 2025. We are now cutting off signing up Suboxone tooth decay cases from individuals residing in States with a two-year statute of limitations for product liability claims. Since the FDA forced Indivior to change its warning label for prescription Suboxone film in June of 2022, we are simply too close to the deadline expiring in two-year states to feel comfortable taking such cases.

March 12, 2024 - Initial Status Conference in the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Judge Calabrese held the first status conference of the Federal Suboxone lawsuit wherein he appointed a Plaintiff's Steering Committee with eighteen members, including Stanley Gipe from Dolman Law Group. We anticipate coordinated discovery will soon commence.  

Please note that Judge Calabrese has scheduled the next status conference hearing for April 16, 2024, at 2pm. Further, Judge Calabrese requested that both parties submit an agenda for the next status conference by April 11, 2024.

March 2, 2024 - Plaintiff Steering Committee Leadership Slate Has Been Submitted to Judge Calabrese

A leadership slate for the plaintiff's steering committee on the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit has been submitted to Judge Calabrese. We are proud to announce that R. Stanley Gipe of Dolman Law Group/Dolman Russo is among the lawyers who will almost certainly comprise the plaintiff's steering committee.

The initial status conference in the Suboxone lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 9 a.m., in front of the honorable Judge Philip Calabrese in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. 

We anticipate Judge Calabrese will likely approve the plaintiff's proposed leadership slate and begin coordinating discovery to commence between plaintiffs and defendants in the Suboxone lawsuit.

It is worth noting that we are quickly approaching the expiration of a statute of limitations for plaintiffs residing in states with a two-year statute of limitations for product liability claims. The warning label on Suboxone film was changed back in June of 2022.

March 1, 2024 - Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Slowly Grows in the Northern District of Ohio

Two new Suboxone lawsuits have joined the Suboxone MDL pending before Judge Philip Calabrese in the Northern District of Ohio. First, a Kentucky man who has used Suboxone sublingual films since 2011 alleges he was never warned about the potential harm he would suffer until 2023. He is requesting compensation for extensive dental expenses, pain and suffering, and irreversible damage due to Suboxone use.

The plaintiff is requesting compensation for extensive dental expenses, pain and suffering, and irreversible damage due to Suboxone use.

The second Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit was filed by an Ohio man who also experienced extensive dental issues requiring many painful dental treatment procedures. He claims his doctor was not aware of potential risks associated with sublingual buprenorphine, so he received no warning about Suboxone use.

We are presently representing hundreds of individuals who were prescribed Suboxone films and subsequently developed severe dental injuries, including severe tooth decay, tooth loss, tooth fractures, dental caries, and gum infection, among other oral health issues.

February 2, 2024 - All Federal Suboxone Lawsuits Consolidated Into an MDL

It's official… federal Suboxone lawsuits are consolidated into an MDL (multidistrict litigation). No oral arguments were heard at the JPML hearing since it wasn't necessary. Both sides agreed to consolidate the cases into an MDL before the hearing. Federal Judge J. Philip Calabrese from the Northern District of Ohio was appointed to oversee Suboxone litigation and all federal claims against Indivior for tooth decay and other serious oral health issues.

January 17, 2024 - Indivior Knew Suboxone Sublingual Films Increased Risk of Severe Tooth Decay

Apparently, Indivior, the company that manufactures Suboxone, knew about the potential risk that users could experience tooth decay since it is mentioned in the prescribing information provided to doctors. However, it appears they didn't think it was important enough to include in the medication guide, which warns patients about the potential side effects of a specific drug. We expect to learn more about the MDL decision after January 25.

January 16, 2024 - Lawsuit Against Suboxone Highlights Failure to Warn

A new Suboxone tooth decay plaintiff, Lindsay Haddad, has emerged as one of the thousands of Americans who suffered profound dental injuries after using the medication to reduce her dependence on opioids.

A new Suboxone tooth decay plaintiff, Lindsay Haddad, has emerged as one of the thousands of Americans who suffered profound dental injuries after using the medication to reduce her dependence on opioids. Her product liability lawsuit claims that Indivior effectively deprived the medical community of the information they needed to care for their patients properly, relied on insufficient testing to vet their medication, did not accurately inform consumers about the risks of using Suboxone, and manufactured the medication based on a defective design.

Her Suboxone lawsuit claims Indivior effectively deprived the medical community of the information they needed to care for their patients properly, relied on insufficient testing to vet their medication, did not accurately inform consumers about the risks of using Suboxone film, and manufactured the medication based on a defective design.

January 4, 2024 - Latest Suboxone Lawsuit Alleges Indivior Concealed the Harm

A Cuyahoga County woman has become the most recent plaintiff to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit alleging the drug manufacturer Indivior concealed the risks of the medication from patients and providers.

A Cuyahoga County woman has become the most recent plaintiff to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit alleging the drug manufacturer Indivior concealed the risks of the medication from patients and providers. Her complaint describes the significant tooth decay she experienced as a result of using Suboxone, which includes an active ingredient known to create the conditions for enamel erosion. Including this claim, over 15 plaintiffs have taken legal action against Indivior in federal court, although there could be hundreds more eligible plaintiffs across the country. Given the similarity of the Suboxone tooth decay claims and the potential for expansion, the parties have asked to consolidate the cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL). The defendants have suggested centralizing the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in the Northern District of Ohio, where Cuyahoga County is located.

Given the similarity of the Suboxone tooth decay claims and the potential for expansion, the parties have asked to consolidate the cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL). The defendants have suggested centralizing the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits in the Northern District of Ohio, where Cuyahoga County is located.

January 3, 2024 - Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit Continues to Grow

More lawsuits are expected as the number of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits continues to rise, with hundreds of potential cases being investigated by lawyers nationwide. This trend suggests that the issue of Suboxone-related dental problems is not likely to go away any time soon. As of January 3, 2024, there have been no announced settlements in any Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.

As of January 3, 2024, there have been no announced settlements in any Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits. Keep in mind that this class action lawsuit is in its infancy. A Suboxone settlement is unlikely to occur in 2024. We anticipate that all federal Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits will be consolidated by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) over the coming months.

A settlement in the Suboxone lawsuit will become more likely as discovery proceeds and plaintiff lawyers are able to demonstrate their experts can causally link the use of sublingual buprenorphine.

January 2, 2024 - Studies Illustrate Link Between Suboxone and Tooth Decay

More studies are emerging that support a link between Suboxone use and an increased risk of tooth decay. These studies seem to show that the drug changes the oral bacteria balance and decreases saliva production in the user's mouth, both of which can contribute to dental problems. Although the link between Suboxone and tooth decay is becoming clearer, the specific ways in which Suboxone affects the teeth and gums are still not exactly known. Further research is being done to understand the long-term effects and how dosage variations and oral hygiene techniques might curb these negative side effects.

December 26, 2023 - JPML to Discuss Consolidating Suboxone Lawsuits into an MDL

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has scheduled their next hearing for January 25, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California, where they will hear arguments from both plaintiff and defense lawyers on whether all pending Suboxone teeth lawsuits pending in Federal Courts throughout the United States, should be consolidated in one jurisdiction as part of multidistrict litigation (MDL). We believe the JPML will consolidate the Suboxone class action lawsuit in the Northern District of Ohio.

December 4, 2023 - Plaintiff Lawyers File Petition With JPML to Consolidate the Suboxone Class Action Lawsuit 

The MDL motion alleges all of the claims filed against the drug manufacturer Indivior related to Suboxone injuries have similar facts and legal arguments, including the reason Suboxone is prescribed—for people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, Suboxone's film is acidic and connected to tooth erosion and dental decay, and Indivior should be held liable for manufacturing and selling Suboxone when it knew or should have known about these potentially dangerous side effects and harming users.

Plaintiffs also assert that since 2007, patients have been reporting dental issues, and research starting in 2012 has shown a potential connection between taking Suboxone sublingually (under the tongue) as prescribed and severe tooth decay. Also, even though it knew about these potential risks, Indivior failed to change the drug or warn about the risks. This is at the heart of allegations in Suboxone lawsuits.

November 17, 2023 - Petition to Create an MDL

Plaintiffs' lawyers petitioned the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate all Suboxone lawsuits that have been filed in Federal Courts throughout the country into one jurisdiction.

The plaintiffs have asked the JPML to consolidate Suboxone lawsuits into the Northern District of Ohio. Considering that plaintiff David Sorensen filed the first Federal lawsuit linking the use of sublingual Suboxone to tooth decay in the Northern District of Ohio, we feel this is a likely jurisdiction for the Suboxone teeth lawsuits.

Suboxone lawyers are satisfied with the science (an easy causal link between Suboxone film use and issues related to dental health) and the back story on Indivior being a bad actor.

November 1, 2023 - New Lawsuits Filed Against Indivior

Four new Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits were filed against Indivior in federal courts over the past month. Each lawsuit alleges a physician prescribed Suboxone film to treat opioid addiction. Neither the plaintiff or his/her physicians were adequately informed of the risk associated with sublingual Suboxone film per allegations contained within each lawsuit.

October 30, 2023 - Indivior Faces Two Lawsuits, With New Accusations of Tooth Decay

Indivior now faces multiple avenues of litigation that they must now fight off. On one hand, Indivior must defend a False Claims Act lawsuit accusing the company of an illegal kickback scheme. At the same time, there is an ever-growing number of lawsuits alleging the use of Suboxone (film form) led to advanced tooth decay.

It is important to know that Indivior has denied any wrongdoing and is fighting these lawsuits in court. However, the sheer number of people with tooth decay who took Suboxone, along with scientific evidence, means there's a significant risk that Indivior will be found liable for their negligence.\

Can I Sue Suboxone for Tooth Decay?

Yes. If you used Suboxone film before the manufacturers updated their warning label in June of 2022, and you suffered severe tooth decay, then we would be honored to pursue a claim on your behalf. The general allegation is the manufacturer of Suboxone failed to warn users of a known danger or defect associated with using their product.

We believe Indivior is a bad actor and rushed sublingual buprenorphine (sublingual version of Suboxone) to market in order to avoid generic competition to Suboxone tablets as the patent was about to expire.   

Further, it is our belief that Indivior was well aware of the acidity levels of sublingual Suboxone strips and the impact it could have on tooth enamel, yet failed to inform the medical community and consumers of the potential for serious dental injuries. These allegations are common in the Suboxone class action lawsuit. The vast majority of our clients have sustained injuries that require extensive dental treatments 

Keep in mind that Reckitt Benckiser (parent company to Indivior) previously entered into a settlement with the U.S. government, wherein they paid $1.4 billion to resolve both civil and criminal charges concerning how Suboxone was marketed.  The problem is the drug manufacturer and its parent company were caught red-handed suppressing generic competition for Suboxone (their opioid addiction medication).

New Suboxone Lawsuits

On February 2, 2024, all individual lawsuits filed in Federal Court were consolidated before Judge Philip Calabrese in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The purpose of consolidating Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits is to coordinate pretrial proceedings. 

However, our law firm is only taking new Suboxone lawsuits in States with at least a three-year statute of limitations. The FDA unilaterally changed the warning label on prescription Suboxone film in June 2022. We will soon file all of our Suboxone lawsuits for clients residing in states with a two-year statute of limitations. After June of 2024, any new Suboxone lawsuit must be filed only on behalf of individuals residing in states with three, four, or five-year statute of limitations.

Can I Still File a Suboxone Lawsuit In My State?

We have been getting a lot of calls from people asking about the statute of limitations in their state and whether they can still file a Suboxone Lawsuit.

The information regarding the statute of limitations and which states are eligible can be confusing and contradictory, especially because of the different legal theories, like "failure to warn".

Since Indivior added a warning label in January 2022 to Suboxone alerting patients to oral health risks, the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits in states with a two-year limit has expired as of January 2024.

However, we are still accepting Suboxone tooth decay claims in states with filing limits of three, four, and five years.

Here is a list of which states we are accepting cases from:

If you live in one of the above states and experienced serious dental issues (tooth loss, fractures, extractions, or severe tooth decay) while using Suboxone sublingual films, call us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for the extensive dental treatments required to restore your oral health.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medicine used to help people who are struggling with opioid addiction and dependency. The medication is administered as a thin strip of film that is taken sublingually (placed under the tongue), where it dissolves and is then absorbed by the body. This prescription drug is used solely for opioid addiction.

Patients prescribed Suboxone typically are struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). Suboxone does provide real relief for people who are trying to fight this medical condition. Still, it is a medication intended to be used as part of a greater program of detoxification and treatment utilizing other forms of help.

Some people may experience side effects when taking Suboxone, like nausea, headache, and constipation. However, it's crucial to talk to a doctor about anything that is concerning you, especially if it involves tooth decay.

How Suboxone Works

By utilizing the two main ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, Suboxone can deliver its useful effects that help treat opioid use disorder. Suboxone contains one part naloxone to four parts buprenorphine.

Buprenorphine in Suboxone

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that provides a limited version of opioid effects and can curb withdrawal symptoms and cravings without delivering the same potency as opioids like heroin and certain pain prescriptions.

Opioid agonists such as heroin, morphine, and pain prescriptions activate nerve cells in the brain by attaching to proteins known as opioid receptors that block pain and release endorphins that cause sensations of pleasure and euphoria in what is known as the "opioid effect."

Buprenorphine is only a partial opioid agonist, which means that it does attach to opioid receptors like other opioids, but it only partially activates the receptors. As a result, it does not create the same potency as the "opioid high". So buprenorphine gives those with OUD an alternative to their desire for opioids that tricks the brain into thinking it is getting the opioids it desires to curb withdrawal symptoms.

Buprenorphine also has the added benefit of adhering to opioid receptors, so if a user relapses, the buprenorphine will interfere with the other opioids with what is called a "ceiling effect." The full opioid agonists in the other drugs taken in relapse will not have the same potency since the buprenorphine bonded to the opioid receptors will interfere with their activation.

This also helps to reduce the likelihood of overdose deaths, although some who relapse may attempt to use larger doses to overcome the ceiling effect, which is extremely dangerous.

Naloxone in Suboxone

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is an opioid antagonist that blocks the activation of opioid receptors and blocks any euphoric effects. When Suboxone is taken sublingually as intended, the naloxone in it does not activate. However, if patients attempt to abuse Suboxone by injecting it intravenously since buprenorphine has more potent effects taking it that way, the naloxone activates and blocks opioid receptors, leading to a lack of opioid effect while the patient still suffers withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone and Tooth Decay

Tooth decay has become a concern for people who are prescribed Suboxone sublingual film. Many users have reported (following long-term use) experiencing severe dental injuries and dental issues, including:

• Severe Tooth Decay: One of the most significant issues reported is severe tooth decay, which can result in cavities and damage to the tooth structure. This damage may require:
  • Tooth extraction
  • Root canal treatment
  • Crown or crown replacement
• Tooth Erosion: Suboxone use has been linked to erosion of tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. The following are some injuries caused by Suboxone-related tooth erosion.
• Dry Mouth: Some individuals on Suboxone experience dry mouth as a side effect, reducing saliva production. Saliva helps protect teeth from decay, so reduced saliva flow can contribute to dental problems, including tooth loss.
• Gum Problems: Suboxone may also lead to gum issues, including gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
• Infections: The damage done to the teeth and gums by Suboxone can potentially lead to infections. These infections are typically treated with medication and/or certain procedures, but complications are possible.

What Evidence Is There That Suboxone Causes Tooth Decay?

The potential link between the sublingual film version of Suboxone use and tooth decay is based on anecdotal evidence and studies that have observed concerning relationships between Suboxone and rates of tooth decay. However, it's important to know that more research is needed to establish a direct relationship between taking Suboxone and tooth problems. We will require dental records from before your use of Suboxone to illustrate the damage caused by the sublingual film.

Patient Reports of Suboxone-Related Dental and Oral Injuries

Many individuals have reported experiencing dental problems, including tooth decay while using Suboxone. Suboxone films have an acidic makeup that was not adequately tested for potentially causing dental erosion. These reports have been a significant factor in raising awareness about the issue. If you have suffered from dental and oral health issues after using Suboxone, then do not hesitate to report your injuries. You will be asked to provide your lawyer with records of your Suboxone usage, dental care, and evidence of dental injuries and/or gum disease.

Suboxone's Acidic Nature Causes Dental Damage

Suboxone strips have an acidic pH, which can potentially contribute to enamel erosion and decay over time if good dental hygiene is not followed. Suboxone has a pH of 3.4 on the pH scale, which is used to determine the basicity or acidity of substances ranging from 0 to 14, with 0 being highly acidic and 14 being highly basic.

Either extreme on this scale is dangerous, but to give some perspective, 0 on the pH scale is acidic on the level of battery acid, and 14 is drain cleaner. Both extremes are highly corrosive and dangerous, with 7 at the middle of the scale being the most neutral, like water.

Suboxone strips have a pH of 3.4, which is somewhere between vinegar and orange juice. On average, your mouth maintains a slightly acidic pH level between 6.2 and 7. Regular use of acidic Suboxone strips can lower the pH of the mouth and cause the steady erosion of the enamel of the teeth

Dry Mouth Side Effect of Suboxone

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a known side effect of Suboxone. Since the medicine is taken sublingually (under the tongue) it reduces saliva production which can contribute to tooth decay since saliva plays a vital role in protecting our teeth by neutralizing acids and preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria.

When those taking Suboxone experience dry mouth symptoms, then that can exacerbate the already acidic effects of the medicine and further lower mouth pH, leading to tooth decay.

Medical Studies of Suboxone Conclude It Increases Risk of Dental Injuries

Some preliminary studies have suggested a possible association between opioid medications like Suboxone and dental problems, but further research is needed to establish a clear causal link.

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics in 2016 found that people taking Suboxone were more likely to experience tooth decay than people not taking the medication[1]. The study also found that Suboxone was associated with an increased risk of xerostomia, or dry mouth, which is a known risk factor for tooth decay.

A second study [2] entitled "Association Between Sublingual Buprenorphine-Naloxone Exposure and Dental Disease" found a significantly increased risk of adverse dental health outcomes associated with sublingual buprenorphine use.

Another study, published in the peer-reviewed Prim Care Companion CNS Disord, found that people taking Suboxone had a higher prevalence of dental caries or cavities than people not taking the medication. The study also found that Suboxone was associated with an increased risk of tooth erosion, which is a condition that can weaken tooth enamel and make it more susceptible to decay.

A more recent study, published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine in 2022, found that people taking Suboxone had a higher risk of dental problems than people taking other medications for opioid use disorder (OUD). The study also found that the risk of dental problems was highest among people who had a history of dental problems before starting Suboxone.

While these studies suggest that Suboxone may increase the risk of dental problems, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm these findings. However, the FDA has taken notice. In January 2022, the FDA issued a warning [3] that buprenorphine medications that dissolve in one's mouth significantly increase the risk of dental injuries. It is vital for physicians to contemplate these potential risks when prescribing suboxone.

Additionally, it is important to weigh the potential risks of dental problems against the risks of being addicted to opiates, like heroin or street pills, and what that can do to your life.

Learn more: Florida Prescription Opioid Crisis Statistics

FDAs Response to Suboxone Tooth Decay

In 2022, the FDA warned about the risk of dental problems linked to buprenorphine (Suboxone). The FDA report on Suboxone stated that some individuals experience significant oral problems such as tooth decay, cavities, infections, and tooth loss. 

Reports show these issues have occurred in people who have never had dental problems in the past and who have great dental hygiene. The FDA has determined that based on a body of medical research and a database of adverse events, there is a link between the sublingual form of Suboxone that dissolves in the mouth and the development of severe tooth decay and other significant dental problems.

As a result, the FDA has required manufacturers to add a warning about these dental risks in the prescribing information and the patient Medication Guide.

These medical issues can be painful and very expensive to fix. That is why you should be to an experienced defective drug lawyer like Dolman Law Group, who has taken on some of the biggest drug manufacturers in the world and won.

The link between Suboxone and tooth decay has raised questions about the medication's side effects. Some users have noticed a connection between Suboxone use and dental problems for years but weren't sure if they were linked or what they could do about it. The medical journal JAMA published a research report in December 2022 that sublingual film forms of Suboxone are two times more likely to cause serious dental health issues than regular tablets.

While the exact cause is still under investigation, these reports have led product liability lawyers like Dolman Law Group to look at holding these manufacturers accountable for potential health risks that were not properly conveyed to consumers in warning labeling. We believe it is wise to consult with medical professionals before making any determinations regarding your health.

Allegations Against Indivior in Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

The victims who are suing Suboxone and their legal team (known as plaintiffs) claim that Indivior, the maker of Suboxone, knew about the medication’s potential for causing tooth decay and other dental problems due to the acidic formulation of Suboxone sublingual tablets and films (the medication is in a thin strip or tablet and is placed on the cheek [buccal administration] or under the tongue [sublingual administration] for 30 minutes) and did not take adequate steps to warn users about this risk or to prevent it from becoming a problem.

Indivior’s failure to warn and protect patients is the main point of the Suboxone lawsuits. 

As early as 2007, adverse event reports were being reported to the FDA, and studies in medical journals were pointing to a possible link between Suboxone tablets and films and severe dental decay. 

Between 2007 and 2021, at least 136 adverse events related to oral health issues associated with the use of Suboxone were reported to the FDA and the manufacturer. Indivior was aware that people being prescribed their medication were experiencing very specific and recurring issues but chose not to act until much later. 

Around 2010, Suboxone tablets were reaching the end of their patent protection. But manufacturers of Suboxone—at the time Reckitt Benckiser, but later a subsidiary called Indivior broke away and took Suboxone with them—developed the film version of the medication to mitigate competition with generic versions of the tablet. 

To do this, the defendants gradually raised the price of Suboxone tablets and kept the price of films steady in order to switch patients over to the new films. This later led to antitrust violations and criminal convictions of senior executives.

This is to say that Reckitt and later Indivior specifically pushed films, and after they got a final warning by the FDA in January 2022 about serious dental issues being reported because of Suboxone’s sublingual delivery method, they added a warning. But at this point, patients had been suffering for years with tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. 

So in short, people are suing because they knew or should have known about Suboxone’s potential for tooth decay and failed to warn doctors and the public about it.

Indivior's Past Legal Trouble Could Be Linked to the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Indivior decided to pay $385 million in October to settle claims that it unfairly maintained a monopoly over Suboxone. Earlier in 2023, they had already agreed to pay $102.5 million to multiple US states for affecting state healthcare costs and $30 million to settle with health insurers over similar issues.

The allegations in these previous lawsuits suggest Indivior rushed Suboxone's film version to market just as their patent on Suboxone tablets was about to run out. No patent meant other drug makers could produce their own version of Suboxone, and poof, profits go away.

But in an illegal move known as product hopping, Indivior has been accused of coming up with a new type of Suboxne that was supposedly "better" and "more effective", thus steering the market back into their pockets.

This medication was Suboxone sublingual films. Which they happened to get on the market just in time as their patent on the tablet form of Suboxone ran out. Unfortunately for thousands of Americans, Indivior either failed to notice or failed to warn patients that the sublingual films can cause severe tooth decay, which is why they are facing the judge again now.

Indivior settled these monopoly lawsuits without admitting guilt, ending 10 years of legal battles, possibly to free up their lawyers for this fight.

Suboxone Dental Decay Lawsuit - Symptoms

Tooth decay is only one of many possible negative symptoms that can occur when using Suboxone, with patients also possibly suffering symptoms (potential side effects) such as:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Headache
• Sweating
• Numb Mouth
• Permanent tooth decay/dental decay
• Broken teeth
• Gum Injuries
• Oral Infections
• Tooth Damage or Damaged Teeth
• Painful Tongue
• Dizziness and Fainting
• Problems with Concentration
• Degradation of Oral Health
• Chronic Pain
• Fractured Teeth
• Gum Recession
• Dry Mouth - Decreased Salivary Flow

The issue is that there was adequate warning of these negative symptoms for patients and doctors considering Suboxone for treatment but no warning of tooth decay that Suboxone can also cause. Indivior did not include warnings about potential tooth decay caused by Suboxone until 2022.

Suboxone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for OUD treatment, meaning that patients were deprived of essential information that they had the right to know about regarding a harmful Suboxone side effect for about 20 years.

The product liability lawsuits filed against Indivior are focused on the fact that Suboxone's labeling did not include warnings of tooth decay.  Lawyers are suing the manufacturer for negligence in not providing that info and not simply because suboxone has a negative side effect of tooth decay alone.

Maintaining Oral Health and Recognizing Early Signs of Tooth Decay

Taking care of your teeth is important; we all know this. It's the only set you get. But it's even more important when you are on Suboxone, which is why we have covered some important information below. Additionally, knowing what to look for when it comes to tooth decay while you are on Suboxone is extremely important.

Taking Care of Your Teeth While Taking Suboxone

Keeping your teeth healthy while taking Suboxone is important. Keep in mind how Suboxone causes tooth decay, like dry mouth, acid, and bacteria growth, and make sure to prevent as many of these side effects as possible.

1. Brush thoroughly twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste to protect your teeth from decay. Soft bristles will help prevent further damage, and the fluoride in the tooth will help combat the effects of acid on your tooth enamel.
2. Floss daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from places your toothbrush can't reach. This is crucial since Suboxone can reduce saliva flow, making your mouth more prone to bacteria buildup and more likely for food to stick between your teeth.
3.  Increase water intake: Dry mouth is a common side effect of Suboxone, so staying hydrated will help keep your mouth moist and protect against tooth decay. Keep a bottle of water with you so that you can always keep your mouth wet.
4. Eat a balanced diet and limit acidic drinks: Foods high in sugar and acidic beverages can further damage your tooth enamel, especially since Suboxone contains sweeteners and is acidic. So if you're a soda or coffee drinker and on Suboxone (which, face it, you probably are), make sure you use that water from step three to rinse your mouth.
5. Visit the dentist regularly: Whether you are taking Suboxone or not, you should obviously visit your doctor at least twice a year. But if you are taking Suboxone, you should make sure to tell your dentist so they can keep an extra close watch on your oral health. They may also be able to offer specific advice or treatments to counteract Suboxone's effects on your teeth, like a specialized mouthwash to help with dry mouth.

Rinse Your Mouth After Taking Your Subxone Films

The directions for sublingual Suboxone films instruct the user to put the medicine in their cheek or under the tongue and to wait for it to dissolve; based on studies and anecdotal reports, this usually takes around 10-15 minutes. The patient is instructed to not drink or eat anything for 30-45 minutes after the medicine dissolves.

Suboxone's instructions also mention that if you are required to take three or more strips, wait until the first two dissolve on each side of the mouth and then place the third strip in your mouth and repeat the process.

This means that the film strips and the dissolved Suboxone residue could be in your mouth for 1 hour or more, exposing your teeth to an extremely acidic environment.

An extreme but fair analogy would be something like taking a sip of vinegar and then holding it in your mouth for 30-60 minutes. If you try this—or if you take Suboxone—rinse your mouth out afterward so that you can remove the acid and return your mouth to its regular pH.

After reading this particular section, consider how many Suboxone users were unaware of any of this because it was not told to them or their doctors. Think how many people went to bed with a Suboxone strip in their mouth or tooth their medicine three times a day for years and never rinsed afterward because they didn't know any better. This is where the failure to warn accusations against Indivior really hit home.

Spotting Early Signs of Tooth Decay from Suboxone

If you're using Suboxone, it's especially important to pay close attention to your mouth's health and to know how to spot early signs of tooth decay. Here's what to look for:

1. Increased Sensitivity: If your teeth suddenly find hot or cold temperatures or sweet flavors painful, it could be an early warning sign that your enamel is breaking down or that you already have a cavity.
2. Toothache or Sharp Pain: Unexplained or sporadic pain can signal decay as bacteria enter your tooth's nerves. As we have discussed, Suboxone may be feeding bad bacteria into your mouth, so this is an important indicator.
3.  Noticeable Holes or Pits: Any visible marks or holes in one of your teeth or something that feels odd with your tongue could be a sign that decay has started.
4. Stains on Your Teeth: Look out for unusual staining, mainly dark brown or black spots or oddly white spots, as these can indicate the presence of decay. Even though there is not a cavity or hole in your tooth yet, it doesn't mean you don't have decay. Catching it at this stage is better than the alternative.
5. Dry Mouth: Suboxone can cause reduced saliva production in your mouth, leading to dry mouth. This can be dry mouth like a desert, but it can also just be a large decrease in saliva, but still not enough for you to really notice. This makes it all the more problematic. Saliva is essential for washing away food in your mouth and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, so a lack of it can speed up decay by allowing those bacteria feasts to stick around.
6.  Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be a sign of decaying teeth and accumulating bacteria. Make sure that you brush your tongue and floss, as these are usually the cause of bad breath, precisely because these areas are holding old food and bacteria, which are rotting and starting to stink. Kind of makes you want to brush your teeth, right?

Taking extra good care of your teeth while you are on Suboxone, rinsing out your mouth after you take your medicine, and knowing the early signs of tooth decay can all make a big difference in preventing the acidic medicine from doing real damage.

Again, this is why it is so important to be educated about these issues when you start taking a new medication. Would you have denied Suboxone if you had known it might cause tooth decay? Probably not. But you likely would have taken the necessary steps to guard your oral health had you been warned about the potential side effects.

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit Eligibility

Suboxone tooth decay is a harmful symptom that has negatively impacted many, but not all are eligible to file a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit.

Only those who used Suboxone before 2022, when there was no warning of tooth decay in the labeling, will be able to participate in Suboxone litigation.  The new warnings provided on the Suboxone label show that there is real truth to these claims and demonstrate how important regular dental checkups truly are.

Furthermore, prospective plaintiffs need to be able to prove their use of Suboxone and must have suffered tooth decay injury severe enough to warrant filing a lawsuit.

Filing a Suboxone lawsuit is not something to take lightly, and the damages suffered by a plaintiff need to necessitate the investment of time and effort that goes into filing a lawsuit like this.

Who Qualifies for a Suboxone Lawsuit?

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• You were prescribed Suboxone by a doctor
• You used Suboxone for at least 6 months before 2022
• You are suffering from cavities, tooth loss, tooth fractures, tooth decay, tongue injuries, and gum injuries that you did not have before taking Suboxone
• You had routine dental care before starting Suboxone to prove the prior condition of your teeth

If you are questioning whether or not your injuries entitle you to seek compensation from Indivior in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, contact Dolman Law Group for a free consultation where our Suboxone tooth decay lawyers can answer your questions and determine your eligibility.

Preserving Evidence for Your Suboxone Tooth Decay Case

If you have severe tooth decay because of taking Suboxone, you need to preserve evidence so that your lawyer can build a strong case for you. Here's what you can do to make sure you have the best chance possible at winning your case and getting compensation:

Gather Your Suboxone Prescriptions

Try to find any of your Suboxone prescriptions that you can and keep all your future prescriptions. You can also contact your doctor and pharmacist to see if they can help you get copies. Documentation of your Suboxone prescriptions shows your dosage and changes in dosage, how long you've been on Suboxone, and other details.

Maintain Dental Records

Don't forget to continue your regular dental checkups and keep all your records. You should also try to get your past dental records, including X-rays, diagnoses, and treatment plans related to your tooth decay. These documents will show the extent of your dental damage and help provide a timeline of your issues. And, if you've had any major procedures because of your dental decay, keep the receipts and any related paperwork.

Document Doctor Records

If you ever talked to your doctor or dentist about how Suboxone is impacting your teeth, keep copies of any paperwork or notes from those conversations. You can also get copies from your doctors or dentists. Not only can this help provide context for your condition, but if you brought up any issues, it can also potentially show documentation if you raised any concerns and weren't informed about the risk of Suboxone causing dental problems.

Take Photos

You should also take clear photos of the damage to your teeth. Any photos will be helpful, but if you can get pictures as your dental decay progresses. This will help the jury or defendants see the extent of your decay and understand the impact on your life.

Keep Receipts for Dental Expenses

Keep receipts of what you paid for dental procedures and anything else related to costs that show how much you spent treating your tooth decay. These will be used to document the financial burden you've experienced.

Maintain a Journal

If you realize what is happening soon enough, write about it in a journal or keep notes about your experience on your phone. Keep track of the dates you started and stopped taking Suboxone, any symptoms you experience related to your teeth (like dry mouth, increased sensitivity, cavities, etc.), and anything you talked to your doctor about. Really, this step, and all the others, is about gathering as much evidence as possible to show your negative experience with Subxonee and tooth decay.

Speak to a Lawyer

Don't be discouraged if you're missing some of the evidence listed above. A Suboxone lawyer can still offer valuable guidance, help to prove your case and use expert witnesses to prove how Suboxone caused your tooth decay.

Talking to a lawyer about your case is by far one of the most important things you can do to ensure you get compensation for your tooth decay. This is different from the kind of lawsuit you can handle alone. Matt Dolman, Stan Gipe, and all of Dolman Law Group have been taking on giant corporations and pharmaceutical companies for decades. We have the expertise and resources to take on Suboxone and Indivior, which is precisely what we are doing.

Damages in a Suboxone Lawsuit

Patients who have experienced severe tooth decay and other mouth-related problems caused by Suboxone may be able to recover compensation for their losses. The amount they can recover depends on the severity of the dental damage as illustrated by prior dental records, the specific details of the case, and the results of the court proceedings.

The losses caused by Suboxone-inflicted tooth decay are called damages and are what these lawsuits seek to compensate either through a settlement or court awards. These damages may not only involve economic damages with direct dollar values but also encompass non-economic damages such as mental anguish that are abstract and intangible losses that are still considered. 

Potential damages in a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit might include:

Medical Expenses

Victims may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills for dental treatments like fillings, root canals, extractions, and other necessary procedures. Medical expenses covered by a Suboxone settlement can also include prescriptions, medical devices, and further doctor appointments.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation may also cover physical and emotional pain and suffering endured as a result of dental issues caused by Suboxone.

Lost Wages

If the dental problems resulted in missed work or a loss of income, individuals may be able to recover that money by filing a claim. Lost opportunity for promotion, loss of a job position, or loss of income opportunity in general can also be considered for compensation in a Suboxone settlement as well.

Future Medical Costs

In cases where ongoing dental treatment is needed, compensation can include future medical expenses related to dental care and other issues caused by Suboxone.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, if it can be proven that the manufacturer's actions were especially reckless or negligent, punitive damages may be awarded to both punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

How Dolman Law Group Can Lead Your Tooth Decay Suboxone Case

Dolman Law Group specializes in pharmaceutical litigation and personal injury cases involving dangerous defective drugs. We understand the complexities of Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits and can provide expert legal guidance.

The product liability lawyers of Dolman Law Group are well known for taking on large drug manufacturers.  Pharmaceutical companies involved in past cases were larger than Indivior, Inc. We have filed lawsuits against the biggest drug manufacturers behind medications like Zantac, Tylenol, Uloric, Tepezza, Ozempic, and more.

Our Suboxone tooth decay lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case and review your medical records, dental history, and the circumstances of your Suboxone use so we can determine the strength of your case and whether it's worth pursuing. We have compiled substantial research on how Suboxone films impact your long-term dental health.

Learn Whether You Qualify for a Suboxone Dental Lawsuit

Seeking a Suboxone tooth decay lawyer is paramount if you have suffered dental and oral damage as a result of using Suboxone films before 2022; this is when Suboxone's label failed to adequately warn of this symptom.

With the help of our experienced lawyers, your Suboxone tooth decay case will be prepared to obtain more than fair compensation for your damages. We will fight for the maximum value available through a Suboxone settlement or court award.

Our Suboxone lawsuit lawyers are ready to help you receive the compensation you need for your dental problem caused by Suboxone. We are handling Suboxone lawsuits on a national basis.  

If you believe you have a case, call our Suboxone lawyers at 727-451-6900 or contact us online. Let us help you determine whether you qualify to file a Suboxone lawsuit. If your doctor prescribed Suboxone and you suffered severe dental injuries; we want to hear from you today. 

Non-website related resource:

[1] Berkson, L., & Montero, A. M. (2016). Suboxone and dental caries: A case-control study. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(11), 938-942.

[2} Etminan, M. & Rezaeianzadhe, R. (2022) Association Between Sublingual Buprenorphine-Naloxone Exposure and Dental Disease: Journal of the American Medical Association, 328(22): 2269–2271

[3] Buprenorphine: Drug Safety Communication - FDA warns about dental problems with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth to treat opioid use disorder and pain, (2022) U.S. Food & Drug Administration