Concerns have been raised regarding the use of Suboxone, a prescribed medicine for people recovering from opioid addiction.
The manufacturers of Suboxone have been hit with legal actions alleging that the medication has caused its patients severe tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental complications.
Suboxone has buprenorphine and naloxone, which are effective in treating opioid addiction but come at some costs to the dental health of the patients. If you are affected by Suboxone, consider consulting a healthcare provider or a dentist to be advised on more preventive measures.
Effects of Suboxone As Mentioned in the Lawsuit
The plaintiffs in the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit argue that they were not informed on the potential risks of using the drug. They say they weren’t informed about ways to mitigate these risks as well.
Some of the risks associated with Suboxone that were mentioned in the lawsuits include:
- The manufacturers did not warn the patients that Suboxone causes dry mouth, and they knew that saliva is needed in the mouth to neutralize acids and wash away food particles, thereby reducing the risks of developing cavities.
- The drug contains sugar additives that exacerbate tooth decay.
- Suboxone causes poor oral hygiene, leading to more dental problems.
Warning From FDA
In 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) mandated Suboxone manufacturers to update their labeling clearly stating the risks associated with using the medicine.
However, many lawsuits claim that the warnings from the manufacturers came a bit too late, and so many patients using the medicine were unaware. This is because of the strong evidence on the side effects of Suboxone and the number of patients who have already experienced dental issues while using the drug.
Ongoing Suboxone Litigations
In the Northern District of Ohio State, over 670 lawsuits have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) claiming that the drug’s manufacturers, including Indivior, failed their patients by hiding information on the risks associated with the drug.
As of October 2024, there are no settlements or jury trials that have been completed other than advice on how to mitigate the effects of tooth decay caused by Suboxone. Affected patients have been advised to do the following:
- Brush their teeth at least twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
- Using toothpaste and mouthwash designed for preventing dry mouth.
- Staying hydrated and using sugar-free lozenges to stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth.
Conclusion
Now it is upon the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to assess the facts presented in each lawsuit and determine the commonality among them that satisfies the consolidation of these cases. MDLs are always in favor of the plaintiff because they allow lawyers to pool resources and provide conditions where each specific plaintiff is compensated for the damages they have caused.
The MDL on Suboxone is considered a strong lawsuit, and the plaintiffs will possibly get a global settlement, which is expected soon. We will also get an update on whether claims made were mere allegations or if there was any truth behind them.
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