An Ohio resident has recently filed a lawsuit against the drug makers of Suboxone, a prescription medication used for treating pain and opioid addiction. The plaintiff alleges that the drug's high acid content has resulted in permanent oral damage and tooth decay. In this blog post, we will explore the specifics of this case and its implications.
An Overview of the Lawsuit Against the Opioid Drug Maker
David Sorensen lodged a product liability case on September 25 in the US District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The lawsuit names Indivior, MonoSol Rx, Reckitt Benckiser, and Aquestive Therapeutics as defendants. Sorensen, who was given Suboxone for pain management after developing an addiction to opioids, claims that he has experienced tooth decay and required extensive oral work as a result of the medication.
According to the suit, the defendant was aware or should’ve been aware that suboxone, if used as specified and planned, can cause detrimental tooth damage due to the acid content in buprenorphine.
The Role of Suboxone in Treating Opioid Addiction
According to the lawsuit, it is alleged that Indivior had prior knowledge that people using Suboxone, a mixture of naloxone and buprenorphine used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms in opioid addiction, were at risk of experiencing tooth decay. This knowledge predates the FDA's 2022 warning concerning the potential dental problems associated with the drug. According to reports dating back to 2010, the drug manufacturer had submitted nearly 20 reports to the US Food and Drug Administration, documenting cases of patients experiencing dental issues after using Suboxone.
Furthermore, in 2012, reports were posted that disclosed dental issues associated with the usage of Suboxone. One report highlighted 11 patients at Boston Women's Hospital and Brigham Hospital who experienced deteriorating oral health between May and November of the same year. The patients faced issues like teeth needing crown replacements, tooth extractions, root canals, and an increased need for dental fillings. The lawsuit stated that these dental issues were caused by prolonged use of Suboxone.
Cases of Tooth Decay
In January 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding the usage of buprenorphine and Suboxone medications. According to the FDA, there have been over 300 reported cases of decay, tooth loss, and oral infections, even in individuals with no prior history of dental health issues. The lawsuit further revealed that more than 130 of these cases were classified as severe. In 2022, the FDA issued an order to update the prescribing details for buprenorphine drugs, including Suboxone tablets and films, in order to address the dangers of oral issues.
According to the lawsuit, the manufacturer allegedly included warnings regarding the risks of dental issues in the prescribing information. However, they neglected to include this crucial information in the medication guide that’s commonly viewed by people.
In addition to issuing a warning, the US FDA has recommended that dental professionals who treat individuals using transmucosal buprenorphine should conduct a baseline oral examination and assess their risk for cavities. It is also advised to establish a preventive plan for cavities and encourage routine oral checkups.
According to the lawsuit, Sorenson is pursuing punitive and compensatory damages and legal counsel fees.
Find a Class Action Lawyer Near Me
If you have experienced tooth decay as a result of opioid use, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a skilled class action attorney. Your lawyer will assess the merits of your case regarding the side effects of drug use and guide you through the process of participating in a class action case. If no class action exists, your attorney will also assist you in filing one. Consumer Alert Now offers a comprehensive evaluation of your lawsuit, determining the strength of your case, and providing assistance in filing a class action in the country. Reach out to us at 800-511-0747 to speak with one of our experienced lawyers.
