Buprenorphine/Naloxone, marketed as Suboxone®, is a pharmaceutical drug approved in Canada as a substitution treatment in adults with opioid drug dependence, prescribed as a tablet or film that dissolves in the mouth. Buprenorphine -- an active ingredient in Suboxone® -- is reported to increase the risk of dental issues for users.
Siskinds LLP and Siskinds’ Québec-based affiliate, Siskinds, Desmeules, are pursuing legal claims on behalf of Canadians who suffered oral health issues after taking Suboxone®, alleging that this drug is defective and that the pharmaceutical manufacturers failed to adequately warn users and their health care providers of the increased risk of severe dental and oral health issues. This legal effort includes a proposed class action to seek justice for affected individuals.
Oral health issues linked to Suboxone® (Buprenorphine / Naloxone)
In 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration issued health warnings about dental harm caused by oral buprenorphine drugs. In 2023, the manufacturers of Suboxone® updated the Canadian product label to warn users and healthcare providers, for the first time, of the dental health side effects linked to Suboxone® use.
Oral health issues reported include:
- cavities;
- tooth decay;
- dental abscesses/infection;
- rampant caries;
- tooth erosion;
- fillings falling out;
- periodontal disease; and
- total tooth loss.
If you or someone you know has used Suboxone® and has suffered serious harm, we encourage you to talk to your doctor and investigate your legal options.
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Canadian Suboxone Class Actions Litigations
In April 2024, Siskinds and Siskinds, Desmeules filed proposed class action lawsuits against Suboxone®, in Canada, alleging that this drug exposes patients to severe risks not sufficiently warned of.
How Siskinds can help
If you or someone you know has used Suboxone® and has suffered dental issues, as a result Siskinds, Desmeules invites you to click "Join" to stay informed about the progress of this class action brought against the pharmaceutical manufacturers.
To contact the Siskinds Suboxone® class action litigation team, complete the form at the bottom of the page, email us at [email protected], or call 1.800.461.6166.
Quebec residents should contact Siskinds Desmeules by phone at 418.694.2009 or by email at r[email protected].
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Developments
British Columbia Class Action
On April 5, 2024, Siskinds filed a dental class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, alleging that Suboxone® drugs are defective, and that the manufacturers failed to adequately warn users, and their health care providers, that Suboxone® drugs increase the risk of serious dental and oral health issues, including cavities, tooth decay, dental abscesses/infection, rampant caries, tooth erosion, fillings falling out, periodontal disease, and total tooth loss.
You can view a copy of the Notice of Civil Claim by clicking here.
The Suboxone class action lawsuit is in its early stage and has not yet been authorized by the court.
Quebec Class Action
On April 2, 2024, Siskinds Desmeules filed an application for authorization to institute a class action before the Superior Court of Quebec, alleging manufacturer liability of the defendants for safety defects with Suboxone® drugs on the basis that there was a lack of sufficient indications as to the health risks and dangers they involve or as to the means to avoid them, and citing in particular the risks of severe dental and oral health issues, including cavities, tooth decay, dental abscesses/infection, rampant caries, tooth erosion, fillings falling out, periodontal disease, and total tooth loss.
You can view the application for authorization by clicking here (French only).
On April 1, 2025, Siskinds Desmeules filed an application for permission to amend the application for authorization to institute a class action in order to modify the definition of the group. The court has not yet ruled on this application.
You can consult the application for permission by clicking here (French only).
The Suboxone class action litigation is in its early stages and has not yet been authorized by the court.
FAQs
Who is affected by this Suboxone class action?
You may be affected by the class action (a “class member”) if you are a Canadian who was prescribed and used Suboxone® and suffered serious dental and oral health issues, including cavities, tooth decay, dental abscesses/infection, rampant caries, tooth erosion, fillings falling out, periodontal disease, and total tooth loss.
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I opt-out of the class action lawsuit?
Yes. Once the Suboxone class action has been authorized, you will have the opportunity to opt-out of the class action within a period of time to be determined by the Court. If you exclude yourself, you will not be entitled to any compensation awarded under a settlement agreement or court order. You may however pursue your own action on an individual basis.
Generally, class members will wish to exclude themselves from a class action if they intend to bring their own legal action. In the majority of cases, it will be more economical to participate in the class action because the legal costs will be shared among a very large number of people
What should I do to protect my rights throughout the case?
- Keep a record of medical expenses incurred — appointments not covered by your provincial health care provider, prescriptions, medical devices, etc.;
- Keep a record of all medical treatments, including the names and contact information of the health care provider (doctor, surgeon, physiotherapist etc.);
- If possible, keep a journal of symptoms associated with Suboxone and note any times when you are unable to attend work or school as a result of your symptoms.
- Register to receive updates by clicking on the Join button and completing the form to subscribe to our database to receive all updates and notices regarding this class action lawsuit.
If you have not already done so already, you can contact Siskinds, so that we can help you obtain your relevant medical and pharmaceutical records related to the Suboxone case. The more time goes by, the more difficult it may be to collect this information.
All personal information provided to Siskinds will be kept private and confidential.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
If you have any other questions about the Canadian Suboxone class action, please complete the form below, call us toll free at 1 877 735-3842 or email us at [email protected].
For information in French or to contact our Quebec office Siskinds Desmeules, call us at 418 694-2009 or toll free at 1 877 735-3842 or email us at [email protected].
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.