What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone) was developed as a medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. It was supposed to be a safer alternative to methadone, allowing people to move off opioids without suffering from extreme withdrawal symptoms. However, extended use of Suboxone can cause permanent damage, especially to teeth and gums, leading to costly medical bills and unnecessary suffering.
Who Is Eligible to File a Suboxone Lawsuit?
If you took Suboxone and suffered severe dental damage or other major health issues, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Specifically, you may qualify if:
- You developed tooth decay, gum disease, or significant dental damage after using Suboxone.
- You required expensive dental work, extractions, or implants due to Suboxone-related damage.
- You developed liver problems or other health complications after prolonged use.
If any of these apply to you, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
What are the Dangerous Side Effects and Health Risks of Suboxone?
Patients were led to believe Suboxone was safe for long-term use, but it is not and many have experienced devastating health issues, including:
- Severe tooth decay and loss: Suboxone can erode enamel, leading to sudden and severe dental problems.
- Gum disease and infections: Users report painful abscesses and gum deterioration requiring surgery.
- Bone loss and jaw deterioration: In extreme cases, Suboxone users have suffered serious structural damage to their jaw and facial bones.
- Painful withdrawal symptoms: Quitting Suboxone can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, including extreme nausea, anxiety, muscle pain, and insomnia.
- Liver damage: Long-term use has been linked to liver damage due to the buprenorphine it contains, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.
These side effects aren’t rare. They’re happening to thousands of people who trusted this drug.
What is the Status of Dupixent Lawsuits and FDA Actions?
Suboxone combines two chemicals – buprenorphine and naloxone – and is typically sold as a dissolvable film, which is placed under the tongue or inside the cheek for several minutes. But because buprenorphine and naloxone are acidic when dissolved, Suboxone film can weaken your enamel and lead to tooth decay or other issues.
In January 2022, the FDA issued a formal warning about buprenorphine dental risks. Despite this, manufacturers failed to take action and address these concerns — until the FDA required them to in June 2022.
FDA went on to acknowledge that “[s]ince buprenorphine was approved, we identified 305 cases of dental problems (131 cases classified as serious) with buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth.” However, the actual number of patients who’ve experienced dental issues after using Suboxone and other buprenorphine medicines may be much higher. Not all dental issues have been reported.
There are presently thousands of cases filed alleging serious dental injuries from Suboxone use. In February 2024, the JPML consolidated Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits into MDL No. 3092 in the Northern District of Ohio. The litigation is now well into the discovery and bellwether trial selection phase. At this stage, Indivior continues to litigate the claims vigorously.
How Cory Watson Attorneys Can Help with Your Claim
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we help drug injury victims get the compensation they deserve. We are dedicated to holding big companies who produce and market dangerous drugs accountable, and we strive to protect clients’ best interests by pursuing negligent companies for compensation to help cover medical costs, lost wages, punitive damages and more.
We believe you shouldn’t have to pay for recovering from a medical condition caused by somebody else’s negligence. Our legal team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve for the suffering you have gone through.