Tooth Decay and Suboxone
Suboxone, a medication widely used to help individuals overcome opioid addiction, has recently been linked to severe and widespread tooth decay. Patients who have used Suboxone to manage their opioid dependence are reporting serious dental issues, including rapid tooth decay, discoloration, and even tooth loss. These problems have led to a surge in legal actions against the manufacturer of Suboxone, Indivior, as affected individuals seek compensation for their unexpected and significant dental damage.
Thousands of Suboxone lawsuits have been filed, and these cases have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Ohio.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to Suboxone, you may be entitled to compensation. Trust the experienced team at Riddle & Brantley to guide you through the legal process. Our dedicated Suboxone lawsuit lawyers are here to fight for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve. Contact Riddle & Brantley today for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward securing your future.
Suboxone Lawsuit Guide
- Tooth Decay and Suboxone
- Suboxone Lawsuit Guide
- The Growing Allegations Against Suboxone
- Overview of Legal Action Against Suboxone Manufacturer Indivior
- What is Suboxone and How Does It Work?
- The Link Between Suboxone and Tooth Decay
- Symptoms of Tooth Decay Related to Suboxone Use
- Steps to Take If You Believe Suboxone Is Causing Tooth Decay
- Qualifying for a Suboxone Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
- Contact Riddle & Brantley for a Free Case Review
The Growing Allegations Against Suboxone
Suboxone, which combines buprenorphine and naloxone, is meant to aid in the recovery process for those battling opioid addiction. While it has been successful for many, the recent allegations against its manufacturers have cast a shadow over its safety profile.
Key allegations against Suboxone include:
- Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs allege that Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, did not adequately warn patients or healthcare providers about the potential for severe tooth decay associated with the medication’s use. Many patients report being unaware of the risks to their oral health until significant damage had already occurred.
- Negligence in Testing: It is alleged that the manufacturers failed to conduct sufficient testing on the long-term effects of Suboxone on oral health, leading to widespread and unforeseen consequences for users.
- Misrepresentation: There are claims that the safety of Suboxone, particularly in relation to its impact on teeth, was misrepresented to the public. This alleged misrepresentation is claimed to have resulted in patients unknowingly suffering from severe dental issues.
These allegations form the basis of thousands of lawsuits, as patients seek justice for the harm they have suffered potentially due to use of Suboxone medication.
IMPORTANT: Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, denies any liability and/or wrongdoing in response to these claims and multidistrict litigation is ongoing.
Overview of Legal Action Against Suboxone Manufacturer Indivior
As more patients come forward with complaints of severe dental issues, the number of lawsuits against the maker of Suboxone continues to rise. Many of the claims against Indivior related to Suboxone-linked tooth decay aim to recover damages for:
- Dental Treatment Costs: Many affected individuals have incurred significant dental expenses as a result of the damage caused by Suboxone. This includes costs for fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and even dentures or implants in severe cases.
- Pain and Suffering: Beyond the financial burden, the physical pain and emotional distress caused by severe tooth decay can be substantial. Lawsuits often seek compensation for this suffering, recognizing the toll that these issues can take on a person’s quality of life.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Some individuals may have missed work due to the need for extensive dental procedures, or may have faced reduced earning capacity if their dental issues affected their professional appearance or performance.
The legal landscape surrounding Suboxone is complex, but the core issue remains clear: patients who were not adequately warned of the risks deserve compensation for the harm they have experienced. If you believe you may have a case, contact us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free consultation.
What is Suboxone and How Does It Work?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid dependence. The medication is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone:
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that are affected by opioids. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same high that opioids do.
- Naloxone: An opioid antagonist, naloxone is included in Suboxone to prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject Suboxone to get high, the naloxone component blocks the effects of the opioids, making abuse less likely.
Suboxone is typically administered as a sublingual film or tablet, which means it is placed under the tongue to dissolve. This method of administration is intended to help the medication absorb into the bloodstream more effectively.
While Suboxone has been a lifeline for many individuals struggling with opioid addiction, the recent reports of severe dental issues have raised significant concerns about its safety, particularly for long-term users.
The Link Between Suboxone and Tooth Decay
The connection between Suboxone and tooth decay is not entirely understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to this issue:
- Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Suboxone use has been associated with dry mouth, a condition where the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Saliva is crucial for neutralizing acids in the mouth and washing away food particles and bacteria. Without sufficient saliva, the risk of tooth decay increases significantly.
- Sublingual Administration: Suboxone is designed to be taken sublingually, which means it dissolves under the tongue. This method of administration may expose teeth to the medication for extended periods, potentially contributing to dental problems.
- Acidic Environment: Some studies suggest that the acidic nature of Suboxone may erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay and other dental issues.
These factors, combined with the potential for long-term use of Suboxone, create a perfect storm for severe dental problems. If you are experiencing dental issues after using Suboxone, it is important to act quickly to mitigate the damage and explore your legal options.
Symptoms of Tooth Decay Related to Suboxone Use
If you have been using Suboxone and are concerned about your dental health, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of tooth decay and other oral health issues. Common symptoms include:
- Cavities and Tooth Decay: Rapid development of cavities, even in individuals who previously had good oral health, is a common complaint among Suboxone users. This decay can progress quickly, leading to extensive damage.
- Tooth Discoloration: Some users report that their teeth have become discolored or stained, often turning yellow or brown.
- Gum Disease: Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which may be exacerbated by Suboxone use.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages is another common symptom, indicating that the enamel may be compromised.
- Tooth Loss: In severe cases, the decay and damage caused by Suboxone can lead to tooth loss, either as a result of the teeth becoming too damaged to save or due to the need for extractions.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek dental care immediately. Early intervention can help to prevent further damage and may reduce the need for extensive treatments down the line.
After seeking dental care, call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review to see if you may qualify for a Suboxone claim or lawsuit.
Steps to Take If You Believe Suboxone Is Causing Tooth Decay
If you suspect that Suboxone is responsible for your dental problems, it is important to take proactive steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Visit a Dentist: The first step is to see a dental professional who can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate treatments. Be sure to inform your dentist that you are using Suboxone, as this may influence their recommendations.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your symptoms, dental visits, and any treatments you receive. Photographs of your teeth can also be helpful in documenting the progression of your condition.
- Consult Your Prescribing Physician: Speak with the doctor who prescribed Suboxone about your concerns. They may be able to adjust your treatment plan or provide advice on how to manage your symptoms.
- Review Your Medical Records: Collect all relevant medical and dental records, including your Suboxone prescription history and any records related to your dental issues.
- Contact an Attorney: If you believe that Suboxone is responsible for your dental problems, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit. You can reach us at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
Qualifying for a Suboxone Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
To pursue a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit, you generally need to meet certain criteria. These criteria help to establish that Suboxone is the likely cause of your dental issues and that you have a valid legal claim:
- Suboxone Usage: You must have been prescribed and used Suboxone as part of your treatment for opioid dependence.
- Dental Damage: You must have documented evidence of significant dental problems that developed after you began taking Suboxone, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Extractions
- Causal Link: There must be a clear link between your use of Suboxone and the dental issues you are experiencing. This can often be established through medical and dental records, as well as expert testimony.
NOTE: There are additional criteria for qualifying for a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. We will review this criteria with you during your free case review to see if you may qualify. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE, no-obligation case review with our experienced dangerous drugs attorneys.
The process of qualifying for a Suboxone lawsuit can be complex, and it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side to help you navigate it. Time is of the essence, as statutes of limitations may apply, limiting the time you have to file a claim.
Contact Riddle & Brantley for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one has suffered from severe tooth decay, tooth loss, extractions, or other dental issues after using Suboxone, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Riddle & Brantley have extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation and are committed to fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed by dangerous drugs.
Everytime I've needed them, they were there for me.
-Tyronnie T., client
Our team is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time. We offer free, no-obligation case reviews to help you understand your legal options and determine whether you may have a valid claim. Don’t wait — contact us today at 1-800-525-7111 to schedule your free case review and take the first step toward justice.
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