Nurofen’s British producer, Reckitt Benckiser, has been fined 3.6 million pounds after it was found that they had misled customers with Nurofen Specific Pain products.
In December 2015, courts found the pharmaceutical manufacturer to be involved in “misleading conduct” by representing that Nurofen Specific Pain products targeted a specific area.
However, Nurofen Back Pain, Nurofen Period Pain, Nurofen Migraine Pain, and Nurofen Tension Headache products contained the same active ingredient as the standard Nurofen tablets.
All products contained 342mg of ibuprofen lysine yet had been doubled in price when compared to its standard Nurofen tablets.
Subsequently, the products were ordered to be removed from sale.
The issue at hand was that, although the tablets contained the same generic ingredient, Reckitt Benckiser still charged consumers significantly more when compared to not only their own brand with the same ingredients, but also similar products from other brands.
When the issue first arose, the British pharmaceutical company denied the allegations made against them that they had breached consumer laws in relation to Nurofen’s pain-specific packaging.
The company did attempt to defend its actions by saying:
“Nurofen pain-specific products provide easier navigation of pain-relief options for a particular type of pain.”
However, this explanation was insufficient to defend the allegations of anti-competitive practises.
As a result of their behaviour, they have been hit with a substantial fine amounting to £3.6m.