Settlement Opportunities for Consumers of Contaminated Medications Valsartan, Irbesartan, and Losartan
If you are an individual or entity who has paid for retail purchases of medications containing Valsartan, Irbesartan, or Losartan from Hetero, Aurobindo, or Vivimed since January 1, 2016, significant news is on the horizon for you. Recent settlements have been reached in class action lawsuits related to claims of economic loss due to the alleged contamination of these medications.
Overview of the Case
The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey approved these settlements, which are part of a larger lawsuit against multiple pharmaceutical companies, including Hetero Drugs, Aurobindo Pharma, and Vivimed Life Sciences. The lawsuits claim that several batches of medications were manufactured using contaminated active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which were found to include probable human carcinogens such as NDMA, NDEA, and NMBA. This contamination allegedly caused economic damages to consumers and external payers.
Despite the settlements, it's crucial to note that all defendants deny any wrongdoing. They argue that the levels of impurities in the medications were not harmful or carcinogenic, and various defenses have been presented in court. Importantly, the court has not yet determined whether any of the defendants committed any wrongdoing or if the claims made by the plaintiffs have merit.
Who is Included in the Settlement?
The settlement class encompasses all individuals and external payers in the United States who paid any amount for retail purchases of the following medications:
1.
Valsartan formulations containing Hetero's Valsartan process III API, sold between May 1, 2018, and July 31, 2018.
2.
Losartan formulations sold under specific National Drug Codes (NDC) from Vivimed.
3.
Irbesartan formulations manufactured using Aurobindo’s synthesis route from January 1, 2016, to present.
For detailed information about who qualifies, please refer to the official website,
SartanMedicationSettlement.com.
Settlement Amounts
The proposed settlement amounts are significant:
- - Hetero will pay approximately $11,365,489.80.
- - Aurobindo will contribute $2,000,000.
- - Vivimed is set to pay $1,899,000.
Further details on how these funds will be distributed amongst consumers and third-party payers can be found on the settlement website.
Rights and Options for Class Members
What can you do?
As a member of the settlement class, you have several options:
- - Submit a claim for compensation: To receive a part of the settlement, class members must submit a claim form either online or via mail. Some claims may require supporting documentation, and only one claim is allowed per member.
- - Do nothing: If you choose this option, you’ll remain a part of the class but will not receive a payout nor retain your right to sue the settling defendants.
- - Opt-out: This option allows you to preserve your right to sue the defendants, but you will not receive any compensation from the settlement. You must submit a notice of exclusion by June 2, 2026.
- - Object to the settlement: If you disagree with any aspect of the agreement, you may file an objection. However, you cannot both opt-out and object.
For detailed instructions on how to file claims, exclusions, and objections, visit
SartanMedicationSettlement.com.
Legal Representation
If you are part of the settlement class and do not opt-out, attorneys have been appointed to represent you in this case, ensuring that your interests are taken into account throughout the process.
For more information regarding the allegations involved in the class-action lawsuit, court updates, and specifics about your rights, please visit
SartanMedicationSettlement.com or contact them directly at 1-866-875-9644. Do not contact the Court or the Clerk’s office for information regarding the settlement.
As consumers, it’s vital to stay informed about your rights and potential compensation from this settlement, especially if you have purchased these medications within the specified time frame. Make sure to review all available options and deadlines closely, as your timely response is crucial in securing any benefits you may be entitled to from these settlements.