Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is facing a class action lawsuit in Australia for allegedly selling “ineffective” cold and flu remedies under its Codral, Sudafed, and Benadryl brands over the past 18 years.
According to 9 News Australia, the legal proceedings, initiated by law firm JGA Saddler in the Federal Court today, center on oral cold and flu medications containing phenylephrine. This drug has long been marketed as a decongestant, but recent evidence from the United States has prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider banning its use, arguing it is ineffective when taken orally.
JGA Saddler claims Johnson & Johnson knowingly sold and marketed these products despite evidence suggesting they do not work as advertised. “Customers should be able to trust that medicines do what they claim. When they don’t, companies must be held accountable,” said JGA Saddler director Rebecca Jancauskas.
Jancauskas accused Johnson & Johnson of relying on outdated and flawed studies to justify selling products that fail to treat congestion as promised. “Australians would not have purchased these products had they known they were ineffective,” she added.
Brisbane ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Jo-Lyn McKenzie also criticized the company, calling its actions “unconscionable and deeply unethical.” She urged consumers to seek evidence-based advice from health professionals rather than relying on advertising.
The class action covers 20 Johnson & Johnson products, including 12 Codral, six Sudafed, and three Benadryl products. Australians who purchased these products between 2005 and December 2024 are encouraged to register for the lawsuit at coldandfluclassaction.com.au