Suboxone is a medication that has become increasingly important in the fight against opioid addiction in recent years. However, thousands of users of this medication claim it has caused severe and unanticipated dental problems. Instances include tooth decay and loss. The context has put the drug at the center of a contentious legal dispute, discusses a report published in Frontiers.
More than 10,000 claimants consolidated in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) has raised a question. Is the current scientific evidence robust enough to support these claims in court?
The intricate interactions between scientific research, the pharmaceutical industry, and legal procedures add to the complexity of this issue. A development in the ongoing litigation occurred recently when Judge Philip Calabrese denied Indivior’s request to order the discovery process.
According to DrugWatch, this decision is crucial for plaintiffs because it guarantees a thorough and prompt investigation of the evidence. Moreover, it could hasten their quest for justice against the large pharmaceutical company. In this blog post, we will examine the arguments that are guiding this legal dispute to better understand its nuances.
A Brief Overview of the Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit
When lawsuits were brought against Indivior, the company that makes Suboxone, in late 2023, the controversy got underway. The plaintiffs of a Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit contend that Indivior neglected to sufficiently alert the public to the associated risks. Their lack of responsibility has made the users suffer from tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental problems. The legal dispute swiftly intensified and created a Multi-District Litigation (MDL).
This increase was partially caused by plaintiffs’ attorneys’ calculated decision to file numerous cases in a single day. Further, it was sparked by the fact that many claimants’ two-year statute of limitations was about to expire.
The Legal Proceedings are a Battle Over Discovery
During the pre-trial discovery phase, both parties acquire evidence to support their positions. Before getting into specifics like product marketing and promotion, Indivior suggested concentrating first on general causation. More specifically, they emphasized whether there is a scientific connection between Suboxone and tooth decay. This strategy, as per the defense, would expedite the proceedings and make the claims’ scientific foundation more apparent.
In retaliation, the plaintiffs objected to this sequencing, arguing that it would waste money. Especially when an FDA warning has already been issued against the drug, it would needlessly prolong the legal proceedings. They contended that the defense’s plan would restrict the investigation of scientific data to a limited range.
Judge Calabrese supported the plaintiffs in his Opinion and Order dated June 24, 2024. The focus was on the defendants’ strategy that might obstruct the pursuit of truth and impede the MDL’s overall advancement.
The Scientific Evidence Behind Suboxone-Induced Tooth-Decay
The issue of scientific causation is at the heart of the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuit. The plaintiffs assert that severe dental problems have resulted from using suboxone, especially the Indivior’s version, reports TorHoerman Law.
Research published in JAMA Network in 2022 proposed a connection between Suboxone use and dental problems. The study blamed the formulation of the medication for the issue. Suboxone may reduce salivary flow and cause dry mouth, a known risk factor for tooth decay.
Still, there are gaps in the research. Even though some evidence links Suboxone to dental issues, the drug is immensely effective. The medication is for treating opioid addiction, claims experts in an open letter to the FDA.
Further research is required to determine the mechanisms by which Suboxone may cause tooth decay. Distinctions must be made from effects due to diet, hygiene, and user health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Suboxone used for?
Suboxone is a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction. It has naloxone and buprenorphine, which lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Why is Indivior being sued for Suboxone?
The plaintiffs claim that Indivior neglected to inform users about the possibility of tooth decay and other dental problems related to using Suboxone. This resulted in serious dental health issues.
How can plaintiffs establish a link between Suboxone and dental problems?
To prove a connection between Suboxone and dental issues, plaintiffs must submit scientific studies, medical records, and expert testimony. They must also show that Suboxone is more likely than not the cause of their dental problems to establish causation.
Can individuals who took generic versions of Suboxone file a lawsuit?
Presently, the only people qualified to bring a case are those who use the brand name Suboxone. People who used generic versions cannot file claims in this particular MDL.
The ongoing lawsuit regarding Suboxone-related tooth decay highlights the difficulty in establishing the adverse effects of pharmaceuticals. Still, there remains a need for comprehensive, objective scientific research. The plaintiffs’ quest for justice might still depend on the purported dental injuries as the discovery process progresses.