Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit claims allege that the sublingual film used to treat opioid use disorder caused severe dental injuries. Thousands of patients report tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss after using this dissolving medication. The litigation is consolidated in federal court in Ohio. In January 2022, the FDA issued a formal warning about dental risks linked to buprenorphine medicines dissolved in the mouth. As a result, affected individuals began filing claims. The suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit now includes over 1,800 pending federal cases.
- What Is the Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film) Lawsuit About?
- MDL Case Status and Key Facts
- Who Qualifies for the Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film) Lawsuit?
- How to File a Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film) Lawsuit Claim
- Settlement Updates and What to Expect
- State-by-State Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Case Timeline
Last checked: July 10, 2026
What Is the Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film) Lawsuit About?
| MDL Detail | Current Data |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | MDL-3092 |
| Pending Cases | 1,832 |
| Presiding Judge | TBD |
| Federal District | TBD |
| Data Source | U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation |
| Last Updated | July 06, 2026 |
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It comes as a dissolvable film placed under the tongue. Doctors prescribe it to treat opioid use disorder and manage withdrawal symptoms. The film dissolves in the mouth over several minutes. During that time, acidic compounds in the medication contact teeth and gums directly.
Plaintiffs in the suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit allege that this prolonged acid exposure causes serious dental harm. Reported injuries include tooth decay, enamel erosion, cavities, tooth fractures, oral infections, and complete tooth loss. For example, some patients experienced severe dental damage within just two weeks of starting treatment. Others developed problems over months or years of regular use.
The defendants in this litigation are Indivior Inc., Indivior Solutions Inc., and Aquestive Therapeutics Inc. Plaintiffs claim these manufacturers knew about the dental risks. However, they failed to warn patients and prescribers adequately. The FDA identified 305 cases of buprenorphine-related dental problems before issuing its 2022 safety warning. Of those, 131 were classified as severe. Seventy-one required tooth extractions.
MDL Case Status and Key Facts
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal Suboxone dental injury cases into MDL-3092. Judge J. Philip Calabrese presides over the litigation in the Northern District of Ohio. The suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit MDL continues to grow as new plaintiffs join the proceeding.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| MDL Number | 3092 |
| Presiding Judge | Judge J. Philip Calabrese |
| Federal District | Northern District of Ohio |
| Approximate Pending Cases | 1,832+ |
| Estimated Individual Claims | 20,000+ |
| Defendants | Indivior Inc., Indivior Solutions Inc., Aquestive Therapeutics Inc. |
| First Bellwether Trials | Projected for March 2028 |
In 2026, the court established an updated bellwether schedule. A 50-case Core Discovery Pool will be selected starting June 2026. Core discovery depositions will run from July 2026 through January 2027. The court will narrow the group to a 15-case Trial Pool by late January 2027. Four final bellwether trial cases will be selected by June 2027. The first trials are projected for March 2028.
However, the actual number of affected individuals is much higher than the docket count suggests. Many filings include dozens of plaintiffs in a single case. As a result, industry estimates suggest over 20,000 individual claims exist within the MDL.
Who Qualifies for the Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film) Lawsuit?
You might be eligible to file a suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit claim if you meet certain criteria. Typically, you must have used the Suboxone sublingual film formulation. You must also have experienced dental problems during or after treatment. Common qualifying injuries include tooth decay, cavities, tooth fractures, tooth loss, and oral infections.
In most cases, claimants need dental records documenting their injuries. Medical records showing Suboxone film prescriptions are also important. The stronger your documentation, the better your position. However, even patients with no prior history of dental problems may qualify. The FDA’s 2022 warning confirmed that these injuries can occur regardless of previous dental health.
The formulation of Suboxone matters as well. Claims generally involve patients who used the film version. The tablet version is not part of this litigation. If you believe you qualify, consulting a licensed attorney is strongly recommended. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your specific situation and advise on next steps.
How to File a Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone Film) Lawsuit Claim
Filing a suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit claim typically begins with a free case evaluation. Many mass tort law firms offer no-cost consultations. During this review, an attorney will assess your medical history, dental records, and Suboxone usage. This step helps determine whether you have a viable claim.
After retaining an attorney, you will complete a Plaintiff Fact Sheet. This document gathers detailed information about your Suboxone use and dental injuries. Your lawyer will then file your case in the MDL-3092 proceeding. As a result, your claim joins the consolidated litigation in Ohio.
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The statute of limitations varies by state. Many states apply the discovery rule. This means the clock starts when you knew or should have known about the injury. For example, some states had two-year deadlines that expired in 2024. Others with three-year limits saw deadlines pass in 2025. However, exceptions may still apply in certain circumstances. A qualified attorney can determine whether your claim remains timely. Do not delay in seeking legal advice.
Settlement Updates and What to Expect
As of May 2026, no global settlement has been reached in the suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit. Settlement negotiations typically accelerate after bellwether trial results are known. With the first trials projected for March 2028, formal talks may still be some time away.
However, this litigation follows a familiar pattern seen in other mass tort MDLs. In most cases, these proceedings resolve through negotiated settlements after bellwether verdicts establish case values. Over 95 percent of mass tort cases ultimately settle before going to full trial. The bellwether process helps both sides understand the range of likely outcomes.
Settlement amounts in the suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit will likely vary widely. The severity of dental injuries plays a major role. Treatment costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and the duration of Suboxone use all factor into individual valuations. No one should expect guaranteed compensation. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consulting a licensed attorney remains the best way to understand what you may be entitled to recover.
State-by-State Considerations
State tort reform laws can significantly affect your suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit claim. Each state has its own rules on damages caps, statutes of limitations, and liability standards. For example, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida have notable plaintiff counts in this MDL. California and New York also contribute significant numbers of claims. Tort reform measures in certain states may limit specific types of recoverable damages.
These state-level differences can impact potential compensation. Some states cap non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Others apply comparative fault rules that may reduce awards. Typically, an attorney licensed in your state can explain how local laws affect your case. Understanding these distinctions is important before filing any claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Suboxone lawsuit only about the film version of the medication?
Yes. The suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film) lawsuit focuses specifically on the sublingual film formulation. The dissolvable film makes prolonged acidic contact with teeth and gums. The tablet version dissolves differently and is not included in this litigation.
How long will the Suboxone MDL take to resolve?
The timeline remains uncertain. Bellwether trials are projected for March 2028. Settlement discussions typically follow trial outcomes. As a result, final resolution could take several more years. However, the case is actively progressing through discovery and pretrial procedures.
Can I still file a Suboxone lawsuit in 2026?
It depends on your state’s statute of limitations and when you discovered your injury. Some filing deadlines have passed in certain states. However, the discovery rule may extend filing windows for some plaintiffs. Contact a licensed attorney promptly to evaluate whether your claim remains viable.
Check If You May Qualify
Mass tort eligibility depends on your specific exposure, injuries, and the state where you live. A licensed mass tort attorney can evaluate your situation at no upfront cost — most work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless you recover compensation.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified mass tort and MDL information:
- U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML)
- U.S. Department of Justice
- FDA Safety Alerts & Recalls
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Content last reviewed May 2026. This is general educational information, not legal advice. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Attorney Advertising. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by accessing or using this content. Every case is unique, and results depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Past settlement amounts and case outcomes do not guarantee similar results in your case. If you believe you have a legal claim, you should consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction who can evaluate your specific situation.