Suboxone Lawsuits: Navigating the Legal Landscape

The legal actions surrounding Suboxone, a medication prescribed for opioid addiction, have been marked by a series of lawsuits against its manufacturer, Indivior. These lawsuits allege that Indivior failed to adequately inform consumers and healthcare providers of the potential dental risks associated with Suboxone, such as tooth decay, oral infections, cavities, and tooth loss. Plaintiffs are seeking compensation for these alleged oversights.

Key Points: 

  • Legal Allegations Against Indivior: The lawsuits against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, claim that the company failed to adequately warn users and healthcare providers about the risk of serious dental problems associated with the use of Suboxone, including tooth decay, oral infections, cavities, and tooth loss. 
  • Current Status of Lawsuits: As of October 2023, Suboxone lawsuits are in the initial stages. Lawyers are actively accepting and investigating new cases, and there have been no jury trials scheduled or global settlements approved related to the dental issues allegedly caused by Suboxone. 
  • Significant Legal Developments: There have been several notable legal developments, including Indivior’s $385 million settlement in October 2023 to resolve monopoly accusations. Individual lawsuits, like those filed by Keith King and David Sorensen, specifically cite permanent dental damage from Suboxone. 
  • FDA’s Involvement and Warnings: In January 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added warnings about potential dental problems to Suboxone’s prescribing information and patient medication guide, following the emergence of these lawsuits. 
  • Criteria for Filing a Lawsuit: The article suggests that individuals who have used prescription Suboxone and subsequently experienced severe dental issues may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Eligibility typically requires a history of prescribed Suboxone use and routine dental care prior to developing dental problems. 

Suboxone Lawsuits: Navigating the Legal Landscape 

As of October 2023, the Suboxone legal landscape is evolving. Lawsuits are at the preliminary stages, and legal representatives continue to review new cases. No jury trials have been scheduled, nor have any comprehensive settlements been approved concerning the dental issues related to Suboxone. 

Developments in Suboxone Litigation 

Significant developments in the Suboxone lawsuits include a $385 million settlement by Indivior in October 2023 to resolve monopoly accusations from other drug manufacturers. Additionally, individual lawsuits, like those filed by Keith King and David Sorensen in October and September 2023, respectively, allege permanent dental damage due to Suboxone use. Earlier, in August 2023, Indivior settled a federal antitrust lawsuit for $30 million, and in April 2023, the Federal Trade Commission distributed $369,000 from a $60 million class-action settlement concerning Suboxone. 

The Role of the FDA and Regulatory Actions on Suboxone 

In January 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added warnings about dental problems to Suboxone’s prescribing information. This move followed previous legal challenges against Indivior and its former parent company, Reckitt Benckiser, for deceptive marketing practices, including misleading health plans and doctors about Suboxone’s safety and addiction potential. These cases resulted in substantial financial settlements, including a $600 million payment by Indivior in July 2019 and a $1.4 billion resolution by Reckitt Benckiser with the U.S. Department of Justice. 

Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Suboxone Lawsuit 

Potential plaintiffs in Suboxone lawsuits include individuals who have used prescription Suboxone and subsequently experienced severe dental issues. Eligibility for filing a lawsuit requires a history of prescribed Suboxone use and routine dental care prior to the onset of dental problems. Those affected are advised to seek legal consultation promptly due to varying state-specific filing deadlines. 

Overview of Suboxone Lawsuit Claims 

To initiate a Suboxone lawsuit, affected individuals should engage with experienced lawyers in mass tort and product liability. These legal professionals can guide clients through the litigation process, from filing lawsuits to negotiating settlements or preparing for jury trials. The complexity of these cases underscores the importance of selecting counsel with a track record of successfully litigating against multinational pharmaceutical companies.