Suboxone Users Might Be Entitled to Compensation for Oral Injuries

What Is “Suboxone”?

Suboxone is the brand name for an opioid addiction treatment that contains the drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. This treatment is part of a drug class known as “narcotic analgesic combinations,” which means it contains a combination of analgesic drugs.

Suboxone can be taken in different ways, such as in sublingual tablet or film form. When a person takes it, they can manage their withdrawal symptoms and help reduce opioid cravings.

Suboxone was first developed and manufactured (in pill form) in 2002. On August 30, 2010, the FDA approved the film version for individuals to use. The sublingual film form of Suboxone is at the center of this class action lawsuit.

Qualifying Criteria for Compensation Related to Suboxone and Oral Injuries

If you used Suboxone and developed an oral injury, then you may qualify for compensation. To qualify, a person must have:

• Been prescribed the dissolvable film form of Suboxone to treat opioid addiction or pain management; and
• Used the dissolvable film for at least six months before suffering an oral injury; and
• Developed one or more of the qualifying oral injuries; and
• Received a diagnosis of an oral injury fewer than 10 years ago.

Qualifying oral injuries that can result from the use of the Sublingual film form of suboxone include:

• Cavities
• Tooth loss
• Tooth fractures
• Tooth decay
• Tongue injuries
• Gum injuries
• Conditions requiring oral surgery

Disqualifying Criteria

You would likely not be eligible for compensation if:

• Your claim is on behalf of a deceased claimant;
• If your date of diagnosis is 10 or more years ago;
• If you are a resident of Tennessee, Michigan, Kentucky, Louisiana, Texas or Puerto Rico; and
• If you are a resident of certain states and your date of diagnosis exceeds the defined statute of limitations in those areas.

How Oral Injuries Developed Due to Suboxone Use

Suboxone is very acidic, with a pH level of 3.4 when dissolved in water. As a result, an individual’s oral pH is altered, which can have immunosuppressive effects.

In other words, when the sublingual film form of Suboxone is placed under the tongue it decreases salivary flow in the mouth. This lowers the ability to neutralize acids, referred to as buffering capacity, resulting in a reduced capacity to fight oral injuries.

The FDA recognized Suboxone’s relation to dental problems in January of 2022 through a warning issued to consumers. Additionally, several drug makers have agreed to pay more than $2 billion in total to resolve Department of Justice complaints related to the drug’s marketing. Now, personal injury settlements on an individual basis can begin.

Who Are the Defendants?

This Suboxone litigation focuses on “strict liability failure to warn”; “negligent failure to warn”; “strict liability design defect”; and “negligent design defect” claims.

The defendants of this litigation include Indivior PLC; Indivior, Inc; Indivior Solutions Inc; Reckitt Benckiser, LLC; Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK), LTD; Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc; MonoSol, LLC; and MonoSol Rx, Inc.

How CCK Can Help You Secure Compensation Due to Suboxone

If you or a loved one took Suboxone for six months or more and then developed one of several oral injuries, then you may be eligible for compensation.

Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick LTD is partnering with the law firm of Levin Papantonio Rafferty to help individuals who have been affected by the use of Suboxone to receive the compensation they deserve. Fill out the form above to see if you qualify or call us today at (844) 415-0536.