Misled Consumers Can Claim One-Time Payment in $6M Medicine Settlement

Thousands of consumers who purchased Zicam cold and flu products may be eligible for a payout as part of a $6 million class action settlement. The lawsuit, filed in Illinois, accused manufacturer Church & Dwight of misleading advertising claims about the product’s effectiveness in reducing cold symptoms.

Zicam, a well-known brand of over-the-counter cold and allergy relief products, was acquired by Church & Dwight in 2020 for $530 million. The lawsuit challenged the company’s claims that Zicam products were clinically proven to shorten colds and reduce symptom severity, arguing that there was no statistically significant evidence supporting these statements.

Who Can Claim a Settlement Payment?

As part of the settlement, individuals who purchased Zicam products before October 17, 2024, were eligible to file claims for compensation. Consumers who could provide proof of purchase, such as receipts, were entitled to receive $5 per product for up to six products, with a maximum payout of $30 per household.

For those without receipts, the settlement allowed for a smaller reimbursement—$2.50 per product for up to two purchases, capping the payout at $5.

Legal Fees and Settlement Terms

A portion of the settlement funds, up to $2 million, has been designated for attorney fees and other legal expenses. Additionally, class representatives may receive a service award of $3,000 for their role in the case.

Also Read – Americans Could Claim Payout in $6M Cold & Flu Medicine Settlement

Aside from financial compensation, the settlement also requires Church & Dwight to revise its product labels. Any claims about Zicam’s ability to shorten colds or lessen symptoms must be removed from packaging and marketing materials within the next 36 months.

Important Deadlines and Next Steps

The deadline for consumers to submit a claim for compensation was January 17, 2025. Those who wished to object to the settlement had until December 18, 2024, to file a formal objection.

A final court hearing is scheduled for February 28, 2025, where the settlement terms will be reviewed and approved. Consumers who submitted claims do not need to attend, as legal representatives will handle the proceedings.

For those who missed the deadline, there is no further opportunity to file a claim in this case. However, consumers can stay informed about future class action lawsuits and settlements by checking legal resources and consumer rights websites.

Lailyah Duncan

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