DePuy Hip Replacement Dilemma Only Scratches the Surface of Johnson & Johnson’s Woes

Johnson & Johnson has been a trusted name for over a century, but its recent history has been fraught with multiple product recalls. Many of its over-the-counter brands have had their share of recent difficulties as well.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare Brand Recalls

Last year, more than 288 million units of well known brand-name consumer products manufactured by J&J’s McNeil division, including liquid versions of Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl for children, were recalled when quality control issues surfaced at manufacturing plants. Bits of metal were found in some bottles, and others contained a moldy odor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the removal of these products from store shelves and put J&J under intense scrutiny for its questionable manufacturing processes and quality control measures.

The recall also included 13 million packages of Rolaids antacid products that may have been contaminated with metal or wood particles. This lead to the closing of one Pennsylvania manufacturing plant, and a widespread investigation into issues in another plant located in Puerto Rico.

A Pledge to Overhaul and Modernize Operations

J&J’s Chief Executive, William C. Weldon, pledged $100 million to upgrade manufacturing plants and equipment, as well as the introduction of a third-party consultant to help improve operations, systems and quality control. Even with these assurances, more McNeil products have since been recalled, disappearing from store shelves, and leaving consumers wondering why they can no longer locate medicine cabinet staples such as O.B. tampons, Sudafed, Sinutab and other well-known brands. More quality control issues, including “inadequate equipment cleaning practices”, were cited in the need to recall even more McNeil products.

J&J Sales Have Suffered

While its overall reputation has suffered little, the McNeil issues dealt a blow to consumer confidence, especially in an uncertain economy. Many consumers now choose to purchase different brands of over-the-counter health care products, including lower-priced store brands as opposed to brand names that have shaken their confidence. Drug store and supermarket chains are taking advantage of McNeil’s misfortunes by encouraging consumers to purchase lower-priced versions of the same products.

J&J’s diverse product manufacturing empire runs the gamut from bandages, baby products and skin care to prescription medications and medical devices. J&J reported sales of $62 billion in 2009, but 2010  saw sales figures drop in the United States by 25 percent. Sales of over-the-counter medications dropped 40 percent on news of the recalls of the popular McNeil products.

An Informed Consumer is a Smart Consumer

Consumers should consult the FDA’s Web site for information about product recalls.

If you have recently undergone a hip replacement, contact your orthopedic surgeon to find out which hip implant was used in your procedure.  If you received a defective DePuy hip replacement device in your surgery, you might be able to file a claim against DePuy and Johnson & Johnson for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The hip replacement lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group have over 25 years of experience advocating on behalf of consumers in mass tort and products liability cases.

To find out if you are eligible for compensation in a DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement lawsuit, please fill out our simple contact form to get started on protecting your rights.