‘Non-Drowsy’ Robitussin Actually Makes You Drowsy, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges

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‘Non-Drowsy’ Robitussin Cough Syrup Class Action Lawsuit Overview:

• Who: A Robitussin consumer is suing Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of the cough syrup.
• Why: The consumer says the companies were involved in marketing cough medicine Robitussin as non-drowsy when it is not.
• Where: The plaintiff is looking to represent a nationwide Class.

Robitussin labeled as “Non-Drowsy” may actually cause drowsiness, according to a new class action lawsuit. 

A California man is looking to represent millions of Americans who used the cough medicine Robitussin believing it was “non-drowsy”, when in fact the ingredients do allegedly cause drowsiness.

Lead plaintiff Paul Bell filed the class action lawsuit against Pfizer Inc, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Holdings, and GSK Consumer Health, Inc on Dec. 6 in a California federal court, alleging breach of warranty and violations of state consumer and advertising laws. 

Robitussin Cough Syrup Contains Ingredient Causing Drowsiness, Claims Class Action Lawsuit

Bell said GSK has manufactured and sold the Non-Drowsy Robitussin products since mid-2019. Prior to that, Pfizer manufactured the products. 

In both cases, the over-the-counter cough medicine had product lines that contain the active ingredient dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DXM). 

At least 16 Robitussin products containing DXM prominently state on the front of their label that they are “Non-Drowsy,” the class action states. 

“But the truth is that products containing DXM—and thus the Non-Drowsy Robitussin Products—do cause drowsiness, and that drowsiness is a known side-effect of DXM,” Bell says.

He says he bought one of the products thinking it was “non-drowsy.” However, after he took it, he started feeling drowsy at work. 

“Had Defendants been truthful, Plaintiff and other consumers would not have purchased the products or would have paid less for them,” the Robitussin lawsuit states.

“Plaintiff brings this case for himself and for millions of other consumers who purchased Non-Drowsy Robitussin Products.”

Bell says he is looking to represent anyone in the United States who purchased a Non-Drowsy Robitussin product.

He’s seeking certification of the class action lawsuit, damages, restitution, interest, fees, and a jury trial.

In 2019, Pfizer faced a class action lawsuit over the Robitussin product, with a plaintiff alleging its “maximum strength” cough medication is actually less potent than regular strength Robitussin.

Earlier this year, Zarbee’s Naturals was accused of intentionally misrepresenting the ingredients in its Children’s Nighttime Cough Syrup + Mucus with Dark Honey, Grape Flavor as “chemical-free.”

Join a “Non-Drowsy” Cough Medicine class action lawsuit investigation here (links to paid advertising).  

The plaintiff is represented by Jonas B. Jacobson and Simon Franzini at Dovel & Luner, LLP.

The Non-Drowsy Robitussin Class Action Lawsuit is Bell v. Glaxosmithkline Consumer Healthcare Holdings LLC et al., Case No. 2:21-cv-09454 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

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