Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit

Suboxone lawsuits claim that patients who were prescribed Suboxone sublingual, dissolvable film to treat their opioid addiction, suffered extensive dental issues such as cavity formation, tooth loss, gum deterioration and more.

These lawsuits further claim Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, knew or should have known about the risk of tooth decay. Furthermore, Indivior did not warn patients or prescribers about the potential for dental health issues and other side effects.

In 2022 the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) warned about the risk of dental problems linked to medications with the active ingredient buprenorphine. Further medical research, and adverse event data linked sublingual film to dental problems, As a result, the FDA required manufacturers to add warning labels of the risk  their prescribing information and patient medication guide.

If you were prescribed Suboxone sublingual film prior to 2022, and suffered significant tooth decay or other dental health issues, you may be eligible to file an injury lawsuit against Indivior, the makers of Suboxone. Call me today to discuss your claim, free of charge.

Opioid Addiction Treatment

Treatment centers, physicians and mental health practitioners utilize a wide spectrum of methods to treat opioid addition based on the individual needs of the patient.  Several of these methods include:

• Prescription medications (MAT or medication-assisted treatment)
• Psychological counseling
• Behavioral therapy
• In-patient and out-patient addiction treatment centers

Suboxone Medication-Assisted Treatment

One commonly prescribed medication used to treat opioid addiction and dependence is Suboxone.  Suboxone is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

The primary goals of Suboxone treatment are to reduce cravings for opioids and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone can be used for long-term maintenance therapy to help individuals stay off opioids, reduce the risk of relapse, and improve their overall quality of life.

Side Effects of Buprenorphine, the Active Ingredient in Suboxone

Buprenorphine can cause side effects, including an impact on salivary production.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a known side effect of buprenorphine. When the mouth is dry, there is a reduced flow of saliva, which can affect its buffering capacity. Saliva helps maintain a neutral pH level in the mouth and buffer against acidic conditions. Reduced saliva flow can lead to a decrease in this buffering capacity, potentially increasing the risk of dental issues such as tooth decay.

Are You Eligible to Pursue Legal Action Against Indivior, Makers of Suboxone?

Listed below are criteria that must be met to be eligible to file a Suboxone lawsuit:

• You were prescribed Suboxone sublingual dissolvable film for opioid addition or pain management prior to 2022.
• You used Suboxone for at least 6 months before suffering dental problems.
• You suffered one or more of the following dental injuries:
• Tooth loss
• Tooth fractures
• Tooth decay
• Oral surgeries
• Gum injuries
• Tongue injuries
• You had routine dental care before using Suboxone
• You were diagnosed with dental injuries less than 10 years ago

If you believe you qualify based on the criteria listed above, call me today for a free consultation to discuss your claim. 

You will not be able to seek legal action:

• If the claim is on behalf of someone who has died.
• If the claim is for a resident of Tennessee, Michigan, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, Texas or Puerto Rico
• If the claim is for a resident of Maine and diagnosed with dental issues more than 6 years ago.
• If the claim is for a resident of Missouri and diagnosed with dental issues more than 5 years ago.
• If the claim is for a resident of Nebraska and diagnosed with dental issues more than 4 years ago.
• If the claim is for a resident of Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina or South Dakota and diagnosed with dental issues more than 3 years ago.
• If the claim is for a resident of Florida, Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma or Virginia, and diagnosed with dental issues more than 2 years ago. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Statute of Limitations is soon approaching for residents of Florida, Alabama, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, or Virginia.  As such, we will no longer be taking Suboxone claims after January 1, 2024.

Indivior Prior Legal Woes

Indivior has faced legal challenges related to its marketing and sales practices. In 2019, the company reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and agreed to pay a substantial fine in connection with allegations of improper marketing practices for Suboxone.

Allegations: Indivior was accused of engaging in illegal marketing tactics to promote Suboxone, its medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder. The allegations centered on actions taken by the company between 2010 and 2014.

Specific Accusations: The U.S. government alleged that Indivior engaged in several illegal activities, including the following:

Fraudulent Marketing: Indivior was accused of misrepresenting the safety and effectiveness of Suboxone and making false claims about the medication’s potential for diversion and abuse.

Physician Incentives: The company allegedly incentivized healthcare providers to prescribe Suboxone through various means, such as improper financial inducements and misleading information.

Improper Transition Programs: Indivior was accused of misleading patients and healthcare providers about the need for its proprietary film version of Suboxone over generic tablets and improperly delaying generic competition.

Settlement Agreement: In July 2019, Indivior reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve these allegations. As part of the settlement, Indivior agreed to pay a substantial fine, totaling $600 million, to the U.S. government.

They also entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG). This agreement required Indivior to implement compliance measures and oversight to prevent future misconduct

General Information About the Importance of Saliva

Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay through various mechanisms:

Buffering Action: Saliva contains bicarbonate ions, which act as a buffer, helping to neutralize acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. These acids can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Saliva’s buffering action helps maintain a more neutral pH level in the mouth, preventing the harmful effects of acid on teeth.

Remineralization: When tooth enamel is exposed to acidic conditions, it can lose minerals like calcium and phosphate. Saliva contains these essential minerals, and it helps to re-mineralize the enamel, strengthening and repairing the tooth structure.

Clearing Food Debris: Saliva helps wash away food particles and debris from the mouth, reducing the availability of nutrients for bacteria that can cause tooth decay. It also helps in the physical removal of food stuck on teeth and gums.

Antibacterial Properties: Saliva contains antimicrobial proteins and enzymes that can help control the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. By reducing the number of harmful bacteria, saliva helps prevent the formation of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease.

Salivary Enzymes: Saliva contains enzymes like amylase, which begin the digestion process by breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth. This enzymatic activity can help reduce the availability of sugars that bacteria feed on, which can contribute to tooth decay.

Lubrication: Saliva helps to keep the mouth moist and comfortable, making it easier to chew, speak, and swallow. A dry mouth can lead to discomfort and increase the risk of dental problems.

Immune Protection: Saliva contains components of the immune system that can help defend against oral infections and inflammation.

Suboxone sublingual film causes drug induced changes to salivary flow, which as you can now understand, is a real problem that potentially effects millions of individuals