The devastating toll of the opioid crisis continues to unfold, with over 760,000 lives lost to drug overdoses since 1999. Shockingly, nearly 75% of drug-overdose deaths in 2020 involved opioids. Despite awareness of the highly addictive nature of opioids, pharmaceutical companies have fueled this epidemic with aggressive marketing practices. Individuals struggling with opioid addiction often turn to medication-assisted therapy as a vital lifeline. Suboxone film emerged as a key treatment, offering maintenance therapy for chronic pain or addiction. However, this dissolvable film concealed a troubling secret: a link to new onset tooth decay. Despite mounting evidence, the original labels for Suboxone film failed to warn consumers of this severe side effect. As concerns grew and medical reports surfaced, the FDA remained silent, failing to update the labels under its regulatory framework.
A Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) case has been consolidated in the Northern District of Ohio to address the grievances of countless plaintiffs who have suffered the harmful side effects caused by Suboxone film. Attorney Sara Watkins, a seasoned litigator with extensive experience in class actions and pharmaceutical cases, has been appointed to leadership in the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC). In this capacity, she will play a pivotal role in overseeing the Suboxone cases and collaborating with lawyers across the nation.
Watkins brings a wealth of expertise to the Suboxone MDL, having litigated complex cases involving defective products, civil rights violations, and professional liability. Her dedication to advocating for the rights of victims is evident in her previous leadership roles in the SoClean, Inc. MDL and Philips Recalled CPAP MDL. She firmly believes that the victims of the opioid crisis deserve justice and compensation for the preventable harm they have endured.
Individuals who meet specific criteria are encouraged to join the Suboxone MDL: those who have taken Suboxone film (not the tablet) prior to June 1, 2022, within the past 10 years, and have suffered broken teeth, tooth loss, or extractions that developed at least six months after first using the film.
For over 40 years, Robert Peirce & Associates has fought for the rights of individuals injured by negligent pharmaceutical companies. If you have been affected by the devastating side effects of Suboxone film, contact Sara Watkins at Robert Peirce & Associates today at 412-281-7229 or visit peircelaw.com for expert legal counsel and guidance.
