Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson is facing a growing number of talcum powder cancer lawsuits, alleging that the product’s side effects include ovarian cancer.

A request was recently filed to consolidate these talcum powder cancer lawsuits into an MDL, or multidistrict litigation. This would centralize all similar litigation before a single judge.

Women and their families across the nation allege in these lawsuits that using talcum powder for feminine hygiene purposes has led to ovarian cancer diagnosis, which for many leads to fatalities.

Talcum powder, most commonly used in baby powder products, has long been used to help prevent diaper rash problems in children. Countless women also use the product for feminine hygiene.

Johnson & Johnson has even promoted their talcum powder products for use as a body powder for adult women to use for “personal freshness” in their underwear.

Allegations brought forth in talcum powder cancer lawsuitsagainst Johnson & Johnson allege that the manufacturer failed to warn women about the risk of ovarian cancer linked with the products.

According to the claims, talc can migrate through the vagina to increase the likelihood of ovarian cancer. Complaints indicate that evidence of talc has been found in ovarian cancer after women used talcum powder daily as part of their routine.

The lead plaintiff, Tanashiska L, says in the motion to transfer that the similarities in talcum powder cancer lawsuits across the country necessitate centralization into a single MDL.

The motion was filed on July 15, and proposes that the cases be transferred to the Southern District of Illinois to be presided over by U.S. District Judge David Herndon. Judge Herndon has presided over other mass tort litigations, including lawsuits over birth control and Pradaxa.

In federal district courts nationwide, there are currently at least 11 talcum powder cancer lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson. Several thousand similar cases have also been filed at the state level across the country, which are only expected to increase.

Talcum Powder Cancer

Despite the growing number of reports, lawsuits, and studies, experts are still divided on whether or not talc powder can actually cause cancer.

While this powder is believed to be safe for the most part, and Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder has been a trusted product for years, some studies and reports suggest that this talc powder may cause ovarian cancer if used on the female genital area, which many women do as part of their personal hygiene routine.

At least one study even found particles of talc at the center of ovarian tumors.

According to evidence from a recent trial, Johnson & Johnson was aware of the link between talc powder products and ovarian cancer as early as the 1970s, but said nothing.

Talcum Powder Cancer Lawsuits

Despite complaints, lawsuits, and evidence of talc powder risk, Johnson & Johnson has failed to provide warnings to women about this potential danger.

If you or someone you love has used Johnson & Johnson’s Shower to Shower, baby powder, or a similar talc powder product, and have since been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may be able to file a lawsuit.