There’s a lawsuit going on about Suboxone, a medicine that helps people with opioid addiction. Some users of the dissolvable film version have gotten really bad dental problems like tooth decay and loss. The problem is that the company didn’t warn doctors or patients about these risks, and now people are suffering.
The lawsuit wants to hold the company accountable and help those who got hurt get compensation.
The Suboxone class action lawsuit of 2022 primarily revolves around allegations that the drug Suboxone, used for opioid addiction treatment, caused severe dental issues, including tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental injuries. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claimed that the manufacturers of Suboxone, particularly Indivior Inc., failed to provide adequate warnings about these risks.
Specific Allegations Made by the Plaintiffs:
Failure to Warn: Plaintiffs alleged that Indivior Inc. knew about the severe dental issues caused by Suboxone but failed to warn users adequately.
This lack of warning led to significant dental problems for many users.
Negligence: The plaintiffs argued that the manufacturers were negligent in their duty to ensure the safety of the drug and to inform users of potential side effects.
Unjust Enrichment: The lawsuit also included claims of unjust enrichment, asserting that the manufacturers profited from the sale of Suboxone while withholding critical safety information from consumers.
Evidence Presented:
Medical Records: Plaintiffs presented medical records showing the extent of dental damage suffered by Suboxone users. These records included instances of tooth decay, tooth loss, infections, and other dental injuries.
Expert Testimonies: Dental experts testified about the link between Suboxone use and severe dental issues. They provided scientific evidence supporting the plaintiffs’ claims.
Internal Documents: The plaintiffs’ legal team obtained internal documents from Indivior Inc.
that allegedly showed the company was aware of the dental risks associated with Suboxone but chose not to disclose them.
Legal Arguments Used:
Product Liability: The plaintiffs argued that Suboxone was a defective product due to its severe dental side effects and that the manufacturers were liable for the harm caused.
Breach of Warranty: The lawsuit included claims of breach of warranty, asserting that the manufacturers failed to fulfill their promises regarding the safety and efficacy of Suboxone.
Consumer Protection Laws: The plaintiffs invoked various state consumer protection laws, arguing that the manufacturers engaged in deceptive practices by not disclosing the dental risks.
Progress of the Lawsuit and Key Milestones:
Filing of the Lawsuit: The class action lawsuit was filed in 2022, bringing together numerous plaintiffs who had suffered dental injuries due to Suboxone use.
Preliminary Hearings: The court held preliminary hearings to determine the validity of the plaintiffs’ claims and whether the case could proceed as a class action.
Discovery Phase: During the discovery phase, both parties exchanged evidence, including medical records, expert testimonies, and internal documents from Indivior Inc.
Settlement Negotiations: As the lawsuit progressed, settlement negotiations began. In 2024, Indivior Inc. agreed to a $30 million settlement to resolve the claims.
Court Approval: The court preliminarily approved the settlement and certified a class for the purchases made in the settled states.
Notable Developments:
FTC Involvement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had previously taken action against Indivior Inc.
and Reckitt Benckiser Group for antitrust violations related to Suboxone. The FTC’s involvement added weight to the plaintiffs’ claims.
Increased Lawsuits: The number of Suboxone-related tooth decay claims continued to rise, with 142 new cases filed in January 2025 alone.
Ongoing Litigation: Despite the settlement, new claims and lawsuits related to Suboxone’s dental side effects are still being filed, indicating ongoing legal challenges for the manufacturers.
:
:
:
1openclassactions.com2www.suboxantitrust.com3www.millerandzois.com
The Suboxone class action lawsuit 2022 revolves around allegations that the drug caused severe dental issues, including tooth decay, tooth loss, and other dental injuries, due to inadequate warnings from the manufacturers, Indivior Inc. The plaintiffs claim that the company knew about these risks but failed to inform users, leading to significant dental problems.
The lawsuit includes claims of failure to warn, negligence, and unjust enrichment, with evidence presented through medical records, expert testimonies, and internal documents showing the extent of dental damage suffered by Suboxone users. The plaintiffs argue that Suboxone is a defective product due to its severe dental side effects and that the manufacturers are liable for the harm caused.
In 2024, Indivior Inc. agreed to a $30 million settlement to resolve the claims, which was preliminarily approved by the court and certified a class for purchases made in settled states. However, new claims and lawsuits related to Suboxone’s dental side effects continue to be filed, indicating ongoing legal challenges for the manufacturers.
The potential outcomes of this lawsuit are significant, as it may lead to changes in how pharmaceutical companies disclose risks associated with their products, potentially preventing similar cases in the future. For affected individuals, the lawsuit may provide compensation and recognition of their suffering. The implications for the pharmaceutical industry could be substantial, as it may face increased scrutiny and accountability for product safety.
It is essential to stay informed about this case and its developments, as they may have a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by Suboxone’s dental side effects and the broader pharmaceutical industry.