Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit: Complexities and Recent Developments
The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit is a complex legal battle involving claims that the sublingual film formulation of the opioid addiction treatment drug Suboxone causes severe dental problems in users. Here’s a summary of the key points:
Background:
- Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is used to treat opioid addiction.
- In 2010, Indivior introduced Suboxone sublingual film, a new formulation designed to dissolve under the tongue.
- However, numerous patients reported experiencing severe tooth decay and other dental issues after using Suboxone sublingual film.
The Lawsuits:
- Since 2019, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Indivior by patients claiming the company:
- Failed to warn adequately about the risk of tooth decay associated with Suboxone sublingual film.
- Knew or should have known about the risk but concealed it for profit.
- Designed the sublingual film formulation in a way that increased the risk of tooth decay.
- Patients seek compensation for dental treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Current Status and Outcomes:
- The lawsuits are currently in various stages of litigation, with some consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) for efficiency.
- In November 2023, 14 new lawsuits were filed against Indivior.
- On December 4, 2023, lawyers representing plaintiffs in several federal districts filed a petition to consolidate all Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits into a single MDL.
- No settlements or court decisions have been reached in the MDL yet.
- In October 2023, Indivior agreed to pay $385 million to settle most claims related to the development of the Suboxone sublingual film, though not directly addressing the tooth decay claims.
- Indivior also faces a separate lawsuit alleging the company defrauded the federal government by promoting Suboxone sublingual film while downplaying its risks.
Impact and Future Outlook:
- The Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit has raised significant concerns about the safety of the sublingual film formulation and the potential risks associated with its use.
- It has also sparked debate about the responsibility of pharmaceutical companies to warn patients about potential side effects of their medications.
- The outcome of the lawsuits could have a major impact on the future of Suboxone use and the development of new opioid addiction treatment medications.
- The potential consolidation of lawsuits into an MDL could streamline the litigation process and lead to a faster resolution for plaintiffs.
- However, the legal process is complex and may still take several years to conclude.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have been affected by Suboxone tooth decay, please consult with an attorney to discuss your legal options.
