If you purchased a Zicam product to treat cold or flu symptoms last year, you may be entitled to cashback—but time is running out to file a claim.
Church & Dwight Co., the company behind Zicam products, has agreed to settle a $6 million class action lawsuit filed in 2022. The lawsuit alleged that the company engaged in deceptive advertising by falsely claiming that its products were scientifically proven to shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
While Church & Dwight denies any wrongdoing, it has agreed to settle the case and states that it has clinical evidence to support its claims. Several Zicam-branded products were explicitly named in the lawsuit, including RapidMelts, Oral Mist, and medicated fruit drops. However, the settlement applies to all Zicam products, meaning that consumers who purchased any Zicam item may qualify for a refund.
As part of the agreement, Church & Dwight has also committed to updating its product labeling to address concerns raised in the lawsuit.
Who qualifies for a refund?
Any consumer in the United States who purchased one or more Zicam products before October 17, 2024, is eligible to receive a payment. However, the amount of reimbursement depends on whether you have proof of purchase.
- With proof of purchase: If you have a receipt, you can receive $5 per product for up to six products, with a maximum payout of $30.
- Without proof of purchase: You can still get money back, but the refund is $2.50 per product for up to two products, with a maximum payout of $5.
Even if you no longer have a receipt, you may still qualify for a partial refund by submitting a claim.
How to file your claim
To receive your payment, you must submit a claim form online through the official class action settlement website. The form requires you to provide the following details:
- Full name
- Address
- Contact information
- Information about the Zicam products you purchased
Once your claim is submitted, you will have the option to select your preferred payment method. The available options include:
- A prepaid MasterCard
- Venmo
- Zelle
The deadline to submit a claim is February 21, 2025. If you fail to file your claim before the deadline, you will not be able to receive compensation from the settlement.
More details, including the timeline for receiving payments, will be made available on the class action settlement website in the coming weeks.
Why this settlement matters
Class action settlements like this one are designed to hold companies accountable for misleading claims and provide financial relief to consumers who may have been affected. While the $6 million settlement is a significant payout, many consumers may only receive a small refund, depending on how many claims are filed.
This case also raises questions about advertising in the health and wellness industry, particularly for over-the-counter treatments that claim to reduce the severity of common illnesses. The settlement does not mean that Zicam products are ineffective, but it does show the importance of truthful marketing backed by clear scientific evidence.
For consumers, this settlement serves as a reminder to always read labels carefully and be aware of potential misleading claims. If you believe you were misled by Zicam’s marketing, filing a claim ensures that you receive compensation for your purchases.
If you bought Zicam products before October 17, 2024, be sure to check your receipts and submit your claim before February 21, 2025, to take advantage of the settlement.
