LawyersAndSettlements.com reported a while ago (Aug. 5th precisely) about the proposed class action settlement in the Vytorin-Zetia case against Merck and Schering-Plough.
At the heart of this case are claims that Vytorin and Zetia were marketed as being more effective than other anti-cholesteral drugs on the market (namely, those drugs in the class known as statins)—and that Vytorin and Zetia were sold at higher prices even though there wasn’t really evidence that they were more effective than less-expensive anti-cholesterol drugs.
For consumers—aka the “Consumer Class” of the Vytorin/Zetia settlement, it means that if you were taking either of these drugs and either paid or were obligated to pay for them between November 1, 2002 and September 17, 2009, you may be eligible to participate in this settlement. Translation: you may be able to get some money back on your purchases as a result of this settlement.
How much money?—it’s the number one question we always get about settlements. Well, as with all class action settlements, it first depends on the number of class members (in this case Vytorin and Zetia consumers during the class time period) who submit eligible claim forms—that’s because the $12,450,000 part of the settlement that has been earmarked for consumers will be shared among all consumers who file eligible claims.
Then, the amount you would get depends on what your Vytorin and/or Zetia purchases actually were during the time period that the class action covers. Those purchases are looked at in proportion to all the monies spent by class members who submitted eligible claim forms—whatever proportion your purchases represent is basically the amount you’d be entitled to in the settlement.
Timing is of the essence on class action settlements—and for the Vytorin/Zetia Settlement these are the dates you need to know:
To File a Vytorin/Zetia Settlement Claim: April 1, 2010
To Exclude yourself from the Settlement: January 15, 2010
To Object to the Settlement: January 15, 2010
ld like to be included in the settlement claim.
Hi Susan, In order to be included in the settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL)–whenever there is a class action settlement, a claims administration company will handle the actual settlement process; in this case, you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class” and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or if you prefer to speak with someone “live” for more information, you can call toll-free: 1-800-760-4686. Thanks for your comment…let us know how you make out; -Abi
I am currently on Yvtorin..Would like to join the suit…Please advise what action required by me….Doris
Hi Doris, Thank you for your comment; In order to be included in the Vytorin Zetia settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL); you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or if you prefer to speak with someone “live†for more information, you can call toll-free: 1-800-760-4686. Let us know how you make out; -Abi
How do I obtain a Vytorin/Zetia Settlement Claim Form?
Hi Chris, Thanks for your question–here’s your answer: In order to be included in the Vytorin Zetia settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL); you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or if you prefer to speak with someone “live†for more information, you can call toll-free: 1-800-760-4686. Let us know how you make out; -Abi
I have been taking ZETIA for several years. I however do have insurance that covers my drugs, less a Co-Pay from me. Would I qualify for anything in this settlement?
Hi Geary, Good question and one I’m sure that many others have about the Vytorin Zetia settlement; According to the wording on the claim form that you would need to submit (see link here), yes, any co-pays are applicable. For further clarity you can also try the toll-free number for the claims administrator at 1-800-760-4686. Hope this helps! -Abi
I have been prescribed Zetia for >5 years (approx. will check pharmacy records). I am interested as this medication has been quite expensive and apparently, the efficacy is questioned.
Thank You
Vickey
Hi Vickey, Thank you for your comment. As you’re looking into your records for your Zetia purchases, you may want to take a look at the claim form you will need to submit for the Vytorin Zetia settlement–it will tell you specifically what information you should include in order to submit a claim. In order to opt in on this settlement, you will have to submit the claim form–just follow the instructions provided. The claim form will need to be mailed to Rust Consulting–they are the claims administrators for this settlement. Hope this helps! -Abi
I was taking Zetia from Sept 2007 to May 12, 2009 when i had a massive heart attack, had surgery to place two stints in my arteries which were clogged %100 and %95. So to find out i was taking something that was making the Artery clogging worse and was in no way lowering the LDL, as i was made to believe, really angers me! All that time i was under the impression it was helping to keep me from having a heart attack and with eating good and exercise and Zetia i was to be safe from that! Well now i read so much material that suggests just the opposite and the Zetia was actually making me worse.
I am thankful for Drs that operated so fast on me and that i survived, but mad as hell that the information that i am now reading about the bad effects of Zetia were available to the Dr before i was even prescribed this medicine, is just an outrage!
I do certainly want to join the lawsuit or start one of my own…as i was out of work for awhile and am now taking a load of drugs to keep this from happening again and now i wonder about what i am taking now. Can you give me some advice on who to contact? Should i look for an attorney in the Seattle, WA area or do you handle this type of suit also? Please reply. Laurence R
Hi Laurence, Thank you for your comment; rest assured there are many who share your aggravation and outrage at how Zetia has been marketed. And you have been through so much while taking Zetia–I’m truly sorry for all you’ve had to endure. I’ve sent an email to the email address you provided (don’t forget to check your spam folder just in case!) with some information to help you regarding your questions. – Abi
Please send me a claim form . I would like to participate.
Thanks,
Rick J
Hi Rick, Here is some information on the Vytorin Zetia settlement….in order to be included in the settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL) –to do so you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or you can call the toll-free number: 1-800-760-4686. Thanks for your comment…let us know how you make out; -Abi
I received the Zetia from the V.A. hospital over the last 3 years or so. I paid $8.00 per month supply. Will this be claimable?
Thanks, Larry
Hi Larry, The question of co-pay’s being eligible for the Zetia settlement has come up a few times here. According to the wording on the claim form that you would need to submit (see link here), yes, any co-pays are applicable. For further clarity you can also try the toll-free number for the claims administrator at 1-800-760-4686. Hope this helps! -Abi
I took the subject medicine for approximately 4 years. I can get a printout from Walmart for that period of time. I want to be included in the lawsuit.
Hi Donna, Thank you for your comment. Here is some information you’ll need on the Vytorin Zetia settlement….in order to be included in the settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL) –to do so you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or you can call the toll-free number: 1-800-760-4686. Thanks for your comment…let us know how you make out; -Abi
I how do I or can I join a class action suit?
Hi Stan, The current Zetia – Vytorin lawsuit has a settlement–in order to be included in the settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL)–whenever there is a class action settlement, a claims administration company will handle the actual settlement process; in this case, you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or you can call toll-free: 1-800-760-4686. Thanks for your comment…let us know how you make out; -Abi
I have tried to download your claim form and am informed that the site is damaged. Can you fix the link or will you mail me one?
Thanks
Hi William, I just checked our links and all seems ok on our end–but I’ll put the link here , and also will email it to you (check your spam folder just in case!). The link is to a pdf file that has the claim form you’ll need to submit for the Vytorin Zetia settlement. That claim form is administered by Rust Consulting–the claims administrator for this settlement. Thanks for your comment–let us know if this file or link does not transmit. -Abi
For the proof of purchase is ALL paid receipt required to file for this settlement.
Needing to know where to file a claim on Zetia
Hi Mary, Here's the information…In order to be included in the settlement, you will need to submit your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL)–whenever there is a class action settlement, a claims administration company will handle the actual settlement process; in this case, you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or you can call toll-free: 1-800-760-4686. Thanks for your comment…let us know how you make out; -Abi
I also been taking Vytorin for a short time and was switched to Zetia from 2002 to 2006 and is now presently taking Crestor. I have no Co-pay and my medical insurance pays full cost of my meds, do I qualify for the settlement since I was on the meds?
Hi Sarah, To answer your question, my sense is no, if you haven't been responsible for any portion of the payments at all for the entire time you were taking either Vytorin or Zetia. That said, the best thing to do is to go ahead and submit a claim–you can do that by submitting your information to the claims adminstrator (Rust Consulting, based in West Palm Beach, FL) –to do so you can go to vytorinzetiasettlement.com. Once there, click on the link at the left that says “Consumer Class†and you will see information on how to submit a claim form. The claim form must be filled out and mailed to the claims administrator (here is the link for the claim form); or you can call the toll-free number: 1-800-760-4686. Thanks for your comment… -Abi
I am planning to submit a claim form for my mother. But she is deceased – is she eligible. She paid almost $1400.00 out of pocket.
Hi Sandy, The best I can suggest is to follow up with the claims administrator for the Vytorin/Zetia settlement to find out about your mother's eligibility. You can certainly go ahead and try to submit the claim form (see link here) for your mother's estate–especially as it appears you have the supporting documentation for her out of pocket expense. However, you may also wish to call the toll-free number for the claims administrator at 1-800-760-4686 for further assistance. Hope this helps! -Abi
Hello. I am filling out a claim for my husband. The pharmacist has given me a printout of all purchases of zetia. What is so amazing to me is how quickly the prices escalated especially after part D medicare came in. We have noticed it on many meds, I think the drug companies all need a swift kick! Thanks and Happy Holidays to the many HONEST folks out there
I HAVE RECORDS OF PAYMENT FOR VYTORIN BACK TO 6/17/08. I AM HAVING DIFFICULTY OBTAINING PROOF OF PAYMENT PRIOR TO 6/17/08. CAN I STILL MAKE SOME CLAIMS?
Hi Jerry, Worth a try with whatever records you do have–remember, you have till April 1st to submit your claim. Also, you can try the toll-free number for the settlement administrator… 1-800-760-4686; they may be able to provide you with some more specific information.
i have been taking vytorin for at least five years and would ike to join the suit the medicine was given o me via prescripion assistane program my doctor took me ff the medcation 3 weeks ago replaced it with crestor i was given the medicine from the company
please send information as to what case is about
Help! I filed a claim for Vytorin/Zetia back in 2010 (all receipts attached etc.) and I have never heard back. I have called on 7/2010 just to be sure they did receive my paperwork and a woman named Rita said yes and I would hear back when they settled. I have been trying to reach Rust Consulting West Palm Beach FL 1-800-760-4686 and the phone has been disconnected and cannot find them at the above address. Can you suggest what I should do next? I even tried calling the U.S .District Court in NJ but cannot find the correct department to deal with. The docket NO. is 08-0285 (DMC)
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Lana Miller
We never got paid a dime! we submitted a claim in Nov 2002 still no answers in 2021!!! What a scam!