Suboxone Film Lawsuit Cases Surge Past 677 Following Large New Filings

The tidal wave of Suboxone film lawsuits continues to grow as more victims seek compensation for harm. A new milestone was reached last month as the number of cases surged from 358 to 677. This reveals the magnitude of dental injuries linked to the blockbuster opioid addiction treatment. In this article, we will explore the latest lawsuit updates.

Suboxone Lawsuits: Why Are They Filed?

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms for those trying to stop using opioids. Recently, many people have filed lawsuits related to Suboxone.

The Suboxone lawsuit stems from the specific delivery method the manufacturer began using in 2013. Instead of traditional pills or strips, Suboxone transitioned to a dissolvable film placed between the cheek and gum. Like breath strips meant to freshen breath, the Suboxone film dissolves slowly in the mouth.

The issues seem to lie with the film’s high acid content. According to Drugwatch, users are instructed to keep the film in their mouth for around 10 minutes. This should be done three times daily to receive the full dose. However, studies now show that prolonged exposure to such acid levels can seriously damage teeth. 

Over time, the Suboxone film delivery has apparently led to tooth fractures, loss, decay, and other dental problems for some users.

The acidic nature of the film can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities and decay. Many users have reported significant dental health issues despite following the prescribed regimen. This has prompted legal actions, with plaintiffs claiming that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn them about these risks.

Key Claims in Suboxone Lawsuits

The main issues in the Suboxone lawsuit regarding tooth decay center on several key points. Plaintiffs argue that the manufacturers failed to warn patients and dental professionals about the risks adequately. They claim that using the medication significantly increases the likelihood of severe dental problems, such as tooth decay.

Another contention is that aspects of Suboxone’s formulation and design may have exacerbated dental risks in comparison to other treatments for opioid addiction. According to TruLaw, lawsuits commonly charge that patients were not given clear guidelines. Manufacturers did not guide about best practices to curb dental problems tied to Suboxone use.

History of Suboxone Litigation

The first lawsuit alleging severe tooth decay caused by Suboxone treatment was filed in September 2023. Within a few months, over 100 similar cases had been brought in federal courts across the country, primarily in the Northern District of Ohio. 

In early 2024, the JPML considered consolidating the growing number of federal cases into a multidistrict litigation (MDL). While an MDL could facilitate more efficient resolution, no order has yet been issued on consolidation.

Before the dental lawsuits, Indivior and RB Group faced significant antitrust and deceptive marketing allegations related to Suboxone. According to Forbes, from 2019 to 2020, both companies settled antitrust class actions brought by the FTC and consumers. 

The total settlement amounted to over $60 million. Indivior also paid settlements in 2023-2024 to states, health plans, and drug wholesalers totaling over $415 million to resolve additional antitrust claims.

Additionally, in separate resolutions in 2019, Indivior paid $600 million. RB Group paid $2.1 billion to conclude parallel criminal and civil investigations by the DOJ and multiple states. The investigations were related to their Suboxone promotion and marketing practices. These past legal proceedings established a backdrop for the current wave of injury lawsuits.

July 2024: Advancing Suboxone Discovery

Both defendants and plaintiffs have discussed the proposed process and electronic discovery (ESI) production parameters. A point of disagreement centers around finding an appropriate approach that balances efficiency with feasibility.

Plaintiffs advocate for a streamlined system, asserting that the proposed defense stance could unduly complicate and prolong the process. They also believe that insufficient rationale has been provided for certain document restrictions. Meanwhile, defendants counter that fully satisfying all asks may pose technical hindrances or be too demanding without individual assessment.

Reaching an agreement on these types of mechanics is routine in complex, consolidated litigation, such as the Suboxone multidistrict matter. The court will likely oversee continued negotiations toward a mutually agreeable ESI order. This order allows discovery to advance productively while addressing production burdens from both sides.

FAQs

1. What are the typical compensation ranges in Suboxone-related lawsuits?

A: Generally, economic damages, which cover medical costs and lost wages, have ranged from $20,000 to $100,000. Non-economic damages, addressing pain, suffering, and emotional distress, typically fall between $30,000 and $50,000. Punitive damages are less predictable and depend on the defendant’s conduct. When combining these elements, total settlements often land in the $50,000 to $150,000 range, though individual outcomes may differ significantly.

2. Who is credited with developing Suboxone?

A: Joseph Fuisz is recognized as a key developer of Suboxone. He is listed as an inventor in the Orange Book for this medication, which combines buprenorphine and naloxone.  Suboxone serves dual purposes, such as higher doses treating opioid addiction. Lower doses can be prescribed for pain management as well. The dosage is tailored to the specific needs of the patient.

3. Which prominent family faced legal action in a major opioid settlement?

A: The Sackler family, associated with Purdue Pharma, has been at the center of a significant opioid settlement. They proposed a settlement of approximately $6 billion to address opioid-related claims. This agreement aimed to provide the family with immunity from future lawsuits. 

The tide of tooth trouble continues to rise. As the number of Suboxone film lawsuits crests new heights, more stories of dental damage emerge from the waves of litigation crashing against the manufacturers. 

Last month marked a milestone – yet another significant surge in cases revealed the expansive impacts of a treatment gone terribly wrong. While the companies push back against producing, more alleged victims are added to the swelling ranks seeking resolution and relief. As the dental disaster spreads, understanding how it began and assessing responsibility have become central questions in the ongoing legal saga.