Suboxone Tooth Decay Injury Attorneys in Massachusetts
Suboxone, a medication widely prescribed for opioid addiction treatment, has come under scrutiny due to its potential link to severe dental problems. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we're closely monitoring the growing number of lawsuits against the manufacturers of Suboxone, particularly those related to unexpected and severe tooth decay in patients. If you have dental decay caused by Suboxone, our Massachusetts dangerous drug liability attorneys can help you. Call us now at (617) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
What Is Suboxone?Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It contains two main active ingredients:
- Buprenorphine - a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Naloxone - an opioid antagonist that prevents misuse of the medication
While Suboxone has been instrumental in helping many individuals overcome opioid addiction, recent evidence suggests that its use may come with a hidden cost to dental health.
The Dental Decay InjuryNumerous patients have reported experiencing rapid and severe tooth decay after using Suboxone, particularly in its sublingual film form. This unexpected side effect has led to serious dental issues, including:
- Widespread cavities
- Tooth erosion
- Tooth loss
- Infections
- Need for extensive dental work, including full mouth reconstructions
The severity and rapid onset of these dental problems have raised concerns about the safety of Suboxone, particularly its long-term effects on oral health.
The Science Behind Suboxone-Related Tooth DecayWhile research is ongoing, several factors may contribute to the link between Suboxone use and dental decay:
- Acidity: Suboxone films have a low pH level, making them highly acidic. Prolonged exposure to this acidity can erode tooth enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay.
- Dry Mouth: Suboxone can cause xerostomia (dry mouth), reducing saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles, so reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Sugar Content: Some formulations of Suboxone contain sugars or other sweeteners to improve taste. These sugars can contribute to tooth decay, especially when combined with reduced saliva flow.
- Administration Method: The sublingual administration method (placing the film under the tongue) means that the medication is in direct contact with teeth for extended periods, potentially exacerbating its harmful effects.
As awareness of this issue grows, an increasing number of patients are taking legal action against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, and its former parent company, Reckitt Benckiser. These lawsuits allege that the companies:
- Failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risk of severe dental problems
- Concealed or downplayed information about the potential for tooth decay
- Neglected to conduct sufficient studies on the long-term dental effects of Suboxone use
- Misrepresented the safety profile of Suboxone
Many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, streamlining the legal process for the numerous plaintiffs involved.
Compensation for Suboxone-Related Dental InjuriesVictims of Suboxone-related tooth decay may be eligible for compensation for various damages, including:
- Past and future dental treatment costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages due to dental appointments or procedures
- Diminished quality of life
- Emotional distress
The specific compensation will depend on the severity of the dental damage, the impact on the individual's life, and other factors unique to each case.
The Role of Our Law Firm and Suboxone InjurysAt Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we're committed to helping victims of Suboxone-related tooth decay seek justice and fair compensation. Our experienced team of attorneys understands the complexities of pharmaceutical litigation and is prepared to take on large corporations to protect our clients' rights.
We offer:
- Free initial consultations to evaluate your case
- Thorough investigation and gathering of evidence to support your claim
- Access to medical and dental experts to strengthen your case
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Aggressive courtroom representation if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Our goal is to ensure that victims of Suboxone-related dental injuries receive the compensation they deserve while holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
Steps to Take if You've Been AffectedIf you or a loved one has experienced severe tooth decay or other dental problems while using Suboxone, consider taking the following steps:
- Seek immediate dental care to address any ongoing issues and prevent further damage.
- Document your dental problems, including photographs, treatment plans, and cost estimates.
- Keep all records related to your Suboxone prescription and use.
- Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.
The ongoing litigation surrounding Suboxone raises important questions about the balance between effective addiction treatment and patient safety. While Suboxone has undoubtedly helped many individuals overcome opioid addiction, the potential for severe dental side effects cannot be ignored.
As the legal proceedings continue, it's likely that we'll see:
- Increased warnings about dental risks on Suboxone packaging and prescribing information
- More comprehensive studies on the long-term dental effects of Suboxone use
- Potential reformulation of Suboxone to reduce its acidity or otherwise mitigate dental risks
- Development of alternative treatments that offer similar benefits without the dental risks
In the meantime, patients using Suboxone should be vigilant about their dental health, maintain excellent oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to catch any problems early.
The rise in Suboxone lawsuits due to tooth decay highlights the complex nature of pharmaceutical treatments and the importance of thorough testing and transparent communication of risks. While Suboxone has been a valuable tool in combating the opioid epidemic, the severe dental side effects experienced by some patients cannot be overlooked.
If you or a loved one has suffered from severe tooth decay or other dental problems while using Suboxone, you may have legal options. At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, we're here to help you navigate this complex situation and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in seeking justice against the manufacturers of Suboxone. Call us at (617) 777-7777 or write us through our contact form.
Your dental health matters, and Suboxone injury lawyers are here to ensure that pharmaceutical companies are held accountable for the safety of their products.