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[1]: Class action launched over ‘ineffective’ flu medicine
“Johnson & Johnson has misled the public and they need to be held accountable for their actions.We are asking all New Zealanders who have purchased any of the 17 affected products to register to be a part of the class action.” The legal company has launched a similar class action in Australia. RNZ has approached Johnson & Johnson for comment.
URL: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/class-action-launched-over-ineffective-flu-medicine
[2]: A Bitter pill To Swallow: Class Action Targets Sudafed And Codral’s …
One of the largest class actions in New Zealand’s history has been filed in the Auckland High Court today against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson. The class action has been brought by …
URL: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE2502/S00026/a-bitter-pill-to-swallow-class-action-targets-sudafed-and-codrals-ineffective-ingredient.htm
[3]: Class action taken against Johnson & Johnson for allegedly selling …
A class action has been filed against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson for allegedly selling ineffective cold and flu remedies that include well-known brands Benadryl, Codral and Sudafed. The 17 products included in the class action contain the decongestant phenylephrine, which was marketed as an choice to pseudoephedrine when the …
URL: https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/class-action-taken-against-johnson-johnson-for-allegedly-selling-ineffective-cold-and-flu-remedies/
In a press conference this morning outside the High Court in auckland, Jancauskas said three Johnson & Johnson entities were named as defendants, and the representative plaintiff was a Rotorua midwife wiht sinus problems who had been a heavy user of phenylephrine-based medications.
“She has worked her way through virtually the entire range of Bendryl products,” Jancauskas said.
She said damages or compensation sought had not been quantified in the suit, but she was seeking to recoup all sales of phenylephrine.
“I would say to all New Zealanders: Come forward, register, you’re entitled to get your money back for products that don’t work,” she said.
Class Action Launched Against Johnson & Johnson over Ineffective Pseudoephedrine Replacement
Auckland, New Zealand – A significant class action has been initiated against Johnson & Johnson, alleging that their pseudoephedrine replacement is ineffective in treating congestion. the lawsuit was filed at the auckland High Court on February 13, 2025. The action is being spearheaded by Rebecca Jancauskas, Director at JGA Saddler, a firm specializing in class actions.
!Rebecca Jancauskas, Director at JGA Saddler at the Auckland High Court
The litigation Funders
The lawsuit is being bankrolled by Omni Bridgeway, a litigation funder that seeks to profit from their funding by claiming a share of any potential award or settlement. Omni bridgeway has been instrumental in financing numerous high-profile legal actions.
JGA Saddler’s Track Record
JGA Saddler specializes in class actions and claims to have secured $1.5 billion in settlements and judgments over the past 60 years. Their extensive experience in this domain makes them a formidable force in the legal arena.
Scientific Evidence and Consumer Rights
Omni Bridgeway New zealand investment manager Jacob Kerkin stated,“For around 20 years,New Zealanders have been sold cold and flu products to relieve their symptoms,despite studies and scientific evidence showing their key ingredient phenylephrine is ineffective when taken orally. Kiwis deserve better.”
Consumer NZ’s Stance
Jon Duffy, the chief executive of Consumer NZ, encouraged users of these medicines to join the class action. He also called for a halt to the sale of these products until their efficacy could be proven. Duffy emphasized, “Large multinational companies with ample resources have no excuse for misleading consumers about the efficacy of their products … Companies must be held to account.”
Key Points Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|——————————|————————————————————————-|
| Class Action Initiation | Launched against Johnson & Johnson for ineffective pseudoephedrine replacement |
| Date | February 13, 2025 |
| Location | Auckland High Court |
| Litigation funder | Omni bridgeway |
| Specialization of JGA Saddler | Class actions |
| Track Record of JGA Saddler | $1.5 billion in settlements and judgments over 60 years |
| Ingredient in Question | Phenylephrine |
| Duration of Misleading claims | Around 20 years |
| Call to Action | Consumers encouraged to join the class action |
This class action underscores the growing scrutiny on pharmaceutical companies and their marketing practices. As consumers become more aware of their rights and the scientific evidence behind the products they use, such legal actions are likely to increase. For more information on consumer rights and legal actions, visit Consumer NZ.
Stay Informed
To stay updated on the latest developments in this case and other consumer-related news, follow NZ Herald for extensive coverage.
The Shift from Pseudoephedrine to Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine, once a go-to remedy for congestion, faced a significant change in 2011. Due to concerns about its potential misuse as a methamphetamine precursor, it was made prescription-only. This led to the widespread adoption of phenylephrine as a substitute. Phenylephrine,however,has shown mixed results in its effectiveness.
The Debate Over Phenylephrine’s Effectiveness
While phenylephrine became a popular alternative, its effectiveness has been a subject of debate.Studies indicate that phenylephrine has little to no effect when taken orally. Nevertheless, there is some evidence suggesting it may be effective when administered via nasal spray.
Regulatory Actions and Legal challenges
In November, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed removing phenylephrine from the list of ingredients that can be used in products marketed for nasal congestion relief when taken orally. This move underscores the regulatory scrutiny phenylephrine is under.
legal Actions Across Countries
Similar legal actions have been taken in other countries. In December, JGA Saddler filed a lawsuit in Australia against Johnson & johnson, funded by Omni Bridgeway.This follows a wave of lawsuits in canada and the United States against pharmaceutical companies over phenylephrine.
Conclusion
The shift from pseudoephedrine to phenylephrine was driven by regulatory concerns,but the latter’s effectiveness remains a contentious issue.Recent regulatory actions and legal challenges highlight the ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding phenylephrine’s use in over-the-counter medications.
The Litigation Against Johnson & Johnson: Pushing for Better Consumer Rights
The Shift from Pseudoephedrine to Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine, once a go-to remedy for congestion, faced a significant change in 2011. Due to concerns about its potential misuse as a methamphetamine precursor,it was made prescription-only. This led to the widespread adoption of phenylephrine as a substitute. Phenylephrine, however, has shown mixed results in its effectiveness.
The Debate Over Phenylephrine’s Effectiveness
While phenylephrine became a popular alternative, its effectiveness has been a subject of debate. Studies indicate that phenylephrine has little to no effect when taken orally. Nevertheless, there is some evidence suggesting it may be effective when administered via nasal spray.
Regulatory Actions and Legal Challenges
In November,the US Food and Drug Administration proposed removing phenylephrine from the list of ingredients that can be used in products marketed for nasal congestion relief when taken orally. This move underscores the regulatory scrutiny phenylephrine is under.
Legal Actions Across Countries
Similar legal actions have been taken in other countries. In December, JGA Saddler filed a lawsuit in Australia against Johnson & Johnson, funded by omni Bridgeway. This follows a wave of lawsuits in Canada and the United States against pharmaceutical companies over phenylephrine.
Q&A with Rebecca Jancauskas,Director at JGA Saddler
Q: What motivated JGA Saddler to initiate this class action lawsuit?
“For around 20 years,New Zealanders have been sold cold and flu products to relieve their symptoms,despite studies and scientific evidence showing their key ingredient phenylephrine is ineffective when taken orally. Kiwis deserve better.”
Jacob Kerkin, Investment Manager at Omni Bridgeway, New Zealand.
Q: What is JGA Saddler’s track record in handling class actions?
JGA Saddler specializes in class actions and claims to have secured $1.5 billion in settlements and judgments over the past 60 years. Their extensive experience in this domain makes them a formidable force in the legal arena.
Q: How do you see this lawsuit affecting the broader pharmaceutical industry?
This class action underscores the growing scrutiny on pharmaceutical companies and their marketing practices. As consumers become more aware of their rights and the scientific evidence behind the products they use, such legal actions are likely to increase.
Q: What message do you want to convey to consumers regarding such products?
Jon Duffy, Chief Executive of Consumer NZ, encouraged users of these medicines to join the class action. He also called for a halt to the sale of these products until their efficacy could be proven. Duffy emphasized, “Large multinational companies with ample resources have no excuse for misleading consumers about the efficacy of their products. Companies must be held to account.”
Conclusion
The shift from pseudoephedrine to phenylephrine was driven by regulatory concerns, but the latter’s effectiveness remains a contentious issue. Recent regulatory actions and legal challenges highlight the ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding phenylephrine’s use in over-the-counter medications. ensure you stay informed and visit Consumer NZ for more details on consumer rights and legal actions.
Stay updated on the latest developments in this case and other consumer-related news by following NZ Herald for extensive coverage.
