Johnson & Johnson faces class action against 'ineffective' Codral, Sudafed, Benadryl medicine

A law firm has filed a class action against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson for allegedly selling "ineffective" cold and flu medicine to Australians.

JGA Saddler commenced proceedings in the Federal Court today against the company over oral cold and flu products it sold under the Codral, Sudafed and Benadryl brands in the past 18 years.

According to the firm, the medicines all contain the drug phenylephrine, which has been marketed and sold as a decongestant for years.

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But over in the United States, new evidence has the Food and Drugs Administration considering a ban because it believes the drugs don't work when they are taken orally.

JGA Saddler is alleging Johnson & Johnson has knowingly marketed and sold "ineffective" products to Australians.

"Customers should be able to confidently buy medicines that work as advertised and when they don't, the company involved should be held accountable," JGA Saddler director Rebecca Jancauskas said.

"Johnson & Johnson has manufactured and marketed a medication that decades of evidence have shown doesn't work as claimed, relying on outdated, fallible studies to sell the Australian public products that don't do what they claim on the packet.

"Australians have trusted these products to work as advertised and wouldn't bought them if they realised they were ineffective at treating congestion."

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Brisbane ear, nose and throat specialist Dr Jo-Lyn McKenzie said it was "unconscionable and deeply unethical" for corporations to sell products knowing they don't work.

"This situation serves as a reminder for Australian consumers to be cautious and informed," she said.

"Rather than relying on direct-to-consumer advertising, take the time to have meaningful conversations with health professionals who can provide evidence- based recommendations."

The class action covers a total of 20 Johnson & Johnson products including; 12 Codral products, six Sudafed products and three Benadryl products.

Anyone who has purchased the products between 2005 to December 2024 is urged to register with the class action at coldandfluclassaction.com.au.

Johnson & Johnson has been contacted for comment.