If you bought common cold meds in past year you’re entitled to a payout… here’s how to claim it

If you purchased cold and flu products from the popular brand Zicam, you could be entitled to money. 

Zicam’s manufacturer Church & Dwight Co. has agreed to settle a $6million class action suit filed in California in 2022 that alleged it engaged in misleading advertising.

The lawsuit states the manufacturer falsely claimed Zicam’s products were proven to be effective at shortening the length and severity of cold and flu illnesses.

According to court documents, the brand had deceived consumers by claiming its products could prevent, shorten or cure flus and cold ‘at the first sign.’ However, pre-cold products have been proven to be no more effective than a placebo.

Documents also state Zicam was promoting itself as a ‘cold remedy’ on its label but claimed it could only shorten colds and did not clarify whether it could completely cure them. 

However, the manufacturer has denied any wrongdoing and says it does have proper clinical evidence to backup its products’ claims, though it did not provide any.

As part of the settlement, Church & Dwight Co. has also agreed to change the labeling of its products. 

While all of Zicam products are considered to be part of the suit and settlement, its RapidMelts, Oral Mist and multiple types of fruit drops are explicitly mentioned. 

The settlement applies to people who purchased Zicam products before October 17, 2024. 

With a proof of purchase such as a receipt, you can get $5 back on up to six Zicam products. 

Without proof of purchase, you can get $2.50 for up to two Zicam products. 

To claim the money, visit the class action settlement website and submit a claim form online with your full name, address, contact information and information about which products you purchased.

The website then allows you to choose a payment method to receive your money – whether to a prepaid MasterCard, Venmo or Zelle.

Church & Dwight Co. CEO Richard Dierker is yet to issue a statement on the settlement, but DailyMail.com has reached out the manufacturer for a comment. 

According to its website, Zicam’s Cold Remedy RapidMelts can ‘help shorten the duration of your cold when taken at the first sign’.

It also claims the non-drowsy tablets are easily dissolvable.

The active ingredient in Zicam’s products is zinc. 

Some studies have shown zinc does nothing to shorten how long people with colds showed symptoms.

In rare cases where zinc has shown to be beneficial in managing colds, patients have shown extreme side effects such as upset stomach, problems with taste and mouth irritation.  

As of now, researchers do not know why zinc has shown promise in some studies and how much quantity is effective or detrimental. 

Similarly, the website states Zicam’s Cold Remedy Manuka Honey Medicated Fruit Drops are also made with zinc and ‘shorten the duration of a cold.’

It also states the drops can relieve nasal congestion and are to be taken every two to three hours till symptoms subside. 

Additionally, the brand’s website says its Cold Remedy Arctic Mint Oral Mist is completely different from most other cold remedies ‘because it actually shortens colds versus just temporarily relieving symptoms’.

Lastly, Zicam claims its easy-to-use spray can soothe sore throats and coughs.  

The last date to file a claim is February 27. It remains unclear when the money will be paid.