Chicago – Walgreens, the nation’s leading pharmacy chain, finds itself embroiled in yet another legal battle over product safety. A proposed class action lawsuit filed in Chicago federal court alleges that Walgreens’ generic version of the popular cold medicine Mucinex contains benzene, a known carcinogen. The plaintiffs, Miriam Birdsong and Cheryl Mikel, claim they were unaware of the presence of benzene in the product and would have made different purchasing decisions had they been informed. They are seeking damages and restitution on behalf of a nationwide class of Walgreens customers who bought the generic Mucinex.
This lawsuit follows recent news reports, initially published by Bloomberg, revealing the presence of benzene in generic Mucinex sold at various stores, including Walgreens. In response to these reports, Walgreens stated that they work closely with their suppliers to ensure compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. However, they have not yet commented on the specific lawsuit.
The FDA has explicitly warned drug manufacturers against using benzene in the manufacturing process and has urged companies whose products contain more than 2 parts per million of benzene to initiate recalls. This is not the first time Walgreens has faced legal action over benzene contamination. Earlier this year, the company was targeted by three other lawsuits alleging the presence of benzene in acne treatment products.
This latest lawsuit underscores growing concerns about the potential presence of benzene in consumer products and highlights the need for stricter regulations and greater transparency from manufacturers. As the case progresses, it will likely draw further attention to the issue of benzene contamination and its potential health risks.
The FDA has previously issued warnings to pharmaceutical manufacturers about the potential presence of benzene in certain drugs. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, blood disorders, and nervous system damage. Consumers who are concerned about benzene exposure should talk to their doctor.