Robitussin sued over non-drowsy claims. Are you owed part of $4.5M settlement?
Robitussin owes some cold sufferers money as part of a class-action settlement.
The cough medicine brand has agreed to pay $4.5 million to resolve claims that it duped consumers by marketing its products as 'non-drowsy,' according to the settlement website.
A complaint filed in June 2022 said calling those products non-drowsy is 'false and misleading,' arguing that Robitussin contains dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant commonly found in over-the-counter medicines.
While rare, side effects can include drowsiness and dizziness, according to the National Institutes of Health.
'Consumers rely on this 'Non-Drowsy' medicine when they are driving, working, and supervising their children (when being drowsy would be problematic or even dangerous),' the lawsuit says. 'But the truth is that the Non-Drowsy Robitussin Products do cause drowsiness, and Defendants know this.'
Pharmaceutical firm Haleon, the maker of Robitussin, has denied wrongdoing.
McClatchy News reached out to the company for comment April 15 and was awaiting a response.
Going forward, Haleon has agreed to stop labeling certain Robitussin products as 'non drowsy' and will 'exclude that statement from any future marketing,' according to the settlement website.
Affected buyers have until May 12 to file a claim.
Here's what to know:
Who's eligible?
Anyone in the U.S. who bought any flavor Robitussin product containing dextromethorphan (or DXM) and labeled as 'non-drowsy' between Feb. 16, 2016, and Jan. 21 are eligible to file a claim, according to the settlement website.
How do I file a claim?
Claim forms can be completed and submitted online or mailed, administrators said.
Under the terms of the settlement, buyers with a qualifying proof of purchase may file up to three claims while those without it are limited to one claim per household.
All claims must be postmarked or submitted by Monday, May 12.
How much is the payment?
Buyers can expect to receive between $1.50 and $4.75 per claim, though amounts may be higher or lower depending on the number of valid claims filed, the settlement website says.
When will I get paid?
Buyers who submit a valid and timely claim will be paid after a court approves the settlement, barring any appeals, according to the administrator's website. A hearing to finalize the terms is scheduled for Monday, June 30.
'It's always uncertain how these appeals will be resolved and resolving them can take time,' administrators said. 'Please be patient.'
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