Joan Zimnoch  on March 7th, 2008

I knew when I bought this product that it is vitamens. I have had success with the product. The reason I take it is because it helps to supplement the vitamens that are needed to help boost my immune system. It is a shame that the people who brought this lawsuit had nothing else better to do. If they used this product thinking it was a “cure” then that is their ignorance. It will help to make catching a cold more difficult if you take it in advance of being in the middle of one. I believe somewhere on the bottle it says before a cold or something along that line. All I know is that I have taken it and my daughters have taken it as a prevetion method for years, and it works for us.

I think that this was a frivolous lawsuit and it is ashame that people aren’t able to think for themselves and really evaluate what products are.

H. W.Smith  on March 9th, 2008

I agree with Joan’s reply. I have used Airborne since it came out in lieu of echinacea, and it has been very effective for my needs. Yes, it is a supplement….there is no cure for the common cold that I have ever heard of! I will use supplements I understand until something better comes along….too bad this has happened.

J. Dawson  on March 9th, 2008

I think airborne is a wonderful product! If consumers would read the label, they would see that it is an immune booster. I am certain that this product made the consumers just a bit healthier due to thier ignorance of nutrition and health. Wash your hands! Take responsibility and use this product as directed I am sure they were better off than not. Heaven forbid it didn’t work because most people are in poor health to begin with!

Aaron  on March 10th, 2008

The product works like it should. It’s basically a vitamin…didn’t we all understand that?

This lawsuit inspires me. I think i’m going to file against Al Gore. I mean, he’s winning awards for preaching about man-made Global Warming…there’s no science backing his arguments up!!! (actually…science points to the exact opposite)

give me a refund for that dumb film…

jackie  on March 11th, 2008

“If consumers would read the label, they would see that it is an immune booster.”

I think you’re missing the point, Dawson. Airborne is NOT an immune booster. The label is lying. That is why they are being sued.

Albert E. Wolf  on March 11th, 2008

My wife and I have used Airborne for 5 or more years, especially when traveling or in close quarters in public places. It seems to work for us but if on already has a cold, it may be too late to take it. There are so many products out there whose claims are wilder than anything Airborn has claimed. Why pick on Airborne???

Angela B  on March 16th, 2008

I really like the Airborne product and I think it’s a shame that people can’t read the label.

It is clearly stated on the box and label that it is basically a superdose of vitamins in an effervescent, (highly absorbable, as opposed to tablets) formula.

If people don’t read the label, how is it the company’s fault?

Airborne has worked for me exactly as it states. I take it when I feel the cold coming and … it never comes. If I already have a cold, it makes the cold go away within a day or less. I haven’t even really had a cold since I found this product.

I hope it stays on the market.

Greg  on March 16th, 2008

I don’t understand where people get the idea that this product claims to “cure” the common cold. There is no claim on the bottle or box that it will kill viruses only that it will boost one’s immune sysytem. There shouldn’t need to be a study done specifically for Airborne, countless studies conducted for decades have shown that the ingredients in Airborne improve one’s immune system, and thus help one to fight off a cold.

It doesn’t “cure” the common cold, merely help you to get over it faster. I have heard no other claim by Airborne.

Greg  on March 16th, 2008

Jackie, you are wrong. Airborne IS an immune booster. The ingredients are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, Potassium, and some other suppliments. Any study will, and has, shown that these vitamins BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM. So what? Because they are in Airborne, they don’t work? Taking Airborne is just like drinking a lot of OJ, anyone will tell you that vitamins help your immune system, especially the vitamins in Airborne.

Melissa from Toledo, OH  on March 18th, 2008

My husband was telling me about this lawsuit the other day. He was saying that the product was being recalled and I had to look it up myself thinking that there was some kind of serious issue with it. After reading the allegations I find it pretty amusing that people would sue over something this ridiculous. I will continue taking this product as long as it is available to me. My pharmacist recommended this product to me over a year ago when I had a serious cold knowing that it would not cure my cold but help me get over it faster. I have not had a cold since. I take this product when I feel a cold coming on and it never has amounted to anything. I stand by this product as a supplement of vitamins and an immune booster. It clearly states all of these on the package. As a matter of fact, I am taking this supplement as we speak. My only regret about this product is that I didn’t take it sooner. I also recommend it to people when they aren’t feeling their best and will continue to do so.

Thanks Airborne!!

Brad  on March 20th, 2008

People, don’t be so foolish. I’ve taken this stuff as well in hopes of fending off illness. Do you honestly think they would have made a SETTLEMENT if their claims weren’t false? If Airborne honestly had substantial proof that their product worked, they would have fought the lawsuit, not settled. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me…

Rosemary  on March 25th, 2008

I work in a very busy pharmacy and have taken and recommended Airborne for years now. I used to get several bad colds each year, most of which quickly deteriorated into bronchitis. Since I discovered Airborne 3 years ago I have only had 1 bad cold - and that was the one time that I ignored early symptoms and failed to start taking the product during the onset of the cold; I suffered horribly and had to take two rounds of antibiotics just to get the bronchitis under control - and it was still weeks before I felt “normal” again. I will continue to take Airborne as long as it is on the market because it works for me - and I was taught in school that that is the standard by which one should judge anything. I refuse to accept that this product has only a placebo affect when I have awakened in the night on several occasions with a runny nosed full-blown cold only to take Airborne immediately and to discover in the morning that my symptoms have lessened to a point where I shake my head in wonderment. I generally take it 3 times a day for 2 or 3 days, and I am eternally grateful to the person who formulated this product as it has made my life so much more pleasant over the last few years. Airborne is my own personal “miracle” supplement and I’m fairly certain that I would have to quit my job at the pharmacy if this product were no longer available to me, especially since I’m allergic to flu shots and have a problem taking most antibiotics used to treat the complications of viral infections.

Katie  on March 26th, 2008

I’m holding a package of Airborne in my hands right now and this is what it says: “The original immune-boosting tablet that helps your body fight germs.” “A dietary supplement.” “Take Airborne to boost your immune system.” Nothing on there about curing or stopping the common cold.

Gretchen Griffin  on March 28th, 2008

Lets not forget that the lawyers will get 25% of the settlement. So there is the “why they filed” that’s over $5 million dollars in their greedy little pockets! As for “why” the makers of Airborne settled, do you have any idea how much it would have cost them to hire attorneys to fight this lawsuit? This has been going on since 2006!
2 years worth of attorney fees would cost them? Just cheaper to settle unfortunately. I think the people that would claim a refund and the lawyers who file this are a disgrace to America. Always those looking for a free ride! I’ve used airborne for many years and will continue to use it as I know it works and thanks again to my teachers I can read and understand that label said it would boost the immune system! I also remember reading a statement on the product that said “these statements have not been verified by the FDA”. Which was comforting to me as the FDA doesn’t do a very good job inspecting our disease ridden food or lead laden toys! Thanks Airborne for making a great product that has helped me escape colds and viruses many times!

Cathy Randall  on March 31st, 2008

I LOVE Airborne!!!! I hate this and the spoilers in society that ruin it for the rest of us. I am among those folks who already know how the product benefits the body, by boosting it with vitamins. Never did I believe it would cure me. I read the label. I am aware that this product has been “marked” as a placebo, but none the less I wanted to test it myself, and I did and it works for me every time. I have enjoy good health when taking Airborne, even while those around me were sick as dogs. So pull it off the shelf if you must, for now, but I sure hope that it gets reentered into the markets under a similar name with the proper paperwork, so I can use it again and continue to have good health. If not I might have to sue the folks who are suing Airborne and risking my good health… all because they figured a way to twist a buck out of this for themselves, for shame!

David  on April 2nd, 2008

I dont like Airborne, BUT they broke no laws and NEVER mislead ANYONE.

THEY ARE A BOOSTER!! WHAT IS vitamin C??? NO ONE is going to tell me they have NEVER taken C as a supliment for a cold.

So what do we KNOW about the human immune system? C BOOTS it right? Scientific fact for over 50 years!!!!

Some people should of given A LOT more attention in high school health class.

Peanut  on April 5th, 2008

I agree that this is a ridiculous lawsuit. It doesn’t say on the bottle it can CURE. It says to take before getting on a plane, if you feel you might be coming down with a cold as it can help shorten the duration. That is what it says. It has echanacia in it which is an herb I have taken for years right when I feel I’m getting a cold, its preventative i.e. you need extra vitamins if you’re getting sick.
Peanut

Statman  on April 14th, 2008

Echinacea is the main ingredient in Airborne that helps knock out a cold if you take it early enough. That’s why Airborne users say it works for them. Just try Echinacea like I have for the past 10 years and you will most likely see the same results as Airborne. The other ingredients won’t hurt you but from my experience taking Echinacea, that’s the ingredient that works and is all you need to take.

Jason  on April 21st, 2008

Airborne launched an entirely new product market - there are so many of these types of products now. The people that were duped into believing it CURES were foolish, it may help reduce the common colds effects (maybe), but who is at fault - why doesn’t the FDA validate such things. If it’s because its more of a herbal remedy then why shouldn’t we be surprised that it may or may not work. This effort is simply a ridiculous waste of tax payers money and the money of time. If you felt better - buy the product again, if not then don’t buy the product. It’s that simple. To make them pay is ridiculous, there were no side effects, no ill will, no harm, no nothing, just folks that were upset because they were tricked….. Hmmm can you say Tobacco industry….

joy  on May 27th, 2008

I am a stay at home mom of 3 young children and i love airborne!! Everytime i take them to the movies or the mall or anywhere in public i give them airborne and they hardly ever get sick. When one of them comes down with something i load the other 2 up on airborne and they have never caught anything from the other sibling. I always knew it was a vitamin, and i thought everyone did. Shame on people who want to make a quick buck!!!

Carolyn Terada  on June 9th, 2008

One wonder if this is a pharmaseutical vs natural product again. I have only tried this product once as I have a high immune system. At that time I thought it an excellent product with an outstanding presentation. I still say, “Well, done!”

ANGEL  on August 19th, 2008

THIS PRODUCT IS KNOWN AS A VITAMIN IT STATES ON THE LABEL LOOK ON THE LABEL PRIOR TO BUYING IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR WELL BEING OR HEALTH.IF CUSTOMERS CARED THEY WOULD INSTEAD OF STARTING A LAW SUIT .THIS PRODUCT DON’T HARM YOU IT GIVES YOUR BODY THE VITAMINS YOU HAVE LOST DURNING DIGESTION PROCESS FOOD ONLY GIVE YOU A LITTLE PERCENT OF WHAT YOU BODY NEEDS THAT IS WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE VITAMINS MOST BUSY PEOPLE TRAVEL OR HAVE A BUSY LIFE PRIOR TO GOING PLACES THEY TAKE AIR BORN TO AVOID POSSIBABLY COLDS.NO IT NEVER STATED A CURE IT STATES TAKE PRIOR TO AVOID GETTING SICK & THAT IS WHAT IT IS FOR.I WILL NOT BE ASKING FOR A REFUND DUE TO THE PRODUCT IS SAFE AND GREAT.THE WORLD IS NOT SAFE & ISN’T GREAT THAT IS WHY WE HAVE WHAT WE HAVE HERE PEOPLE WHO ARE UN HAPPY WITH LIFE AND DECIDED TO START A LAW SUIT AGAINST A HONEST COMPANY .TO ALL CUSTOMERS WHO FILED THIS SUIT LOOK ON LABELS OF EVERY PRODUCT THAT GOES INTO YOUR BODY OR THAT YOU USE IN YOUR LIFE IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH OR LIFE START AVOIDING WASTEING OTHER PEOPLES TIME BY YOUR MISTAKE .THIS PRODUCT IS GREAT TO GET THOSE VITAMINS IN YOUR BODY FAST & MAYBE PREVENTING A COLD .ONE THING PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND NOTHING IS CERTAIN IN LIFE UNLESS YOU KNOW FOR SURE IT IS DON’T TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED THAT MIGHT HELP FOR A SMALL COST TO AVOID A COLD.THAT IS ALL.

Ron J  on September 2nd, 2008

My concern with Airborne is whether it increases your chance of getting kidney stones. I work closely with four coworkers, three of which were taking large doses of Airborne to ward off colds. All three coworkers have had kidney stones in the same year. There are warnings regarding this on the internet, and this is one thing that all three had in common. They no longer take Airborne.

Zera  on September 14th, 2008

There are several other products out there which make far more grandiose claims through advertising gimmicks, Old folks take Centrum silver, and they still croak, Some folks take chantix to quit smoking, and slit their wrists, remember all of those kids who killed themselves while taking ANTI-depressants??? Zicam makes similar claims and doesn’t get messed with. Vitamins are good for you, take them.

Sharon  on September 22nd, 2008

Personally I’ve been taking this product for years, on and off. If I take it at the first signs of getting a cold I can ward it off. Once the cold starts it’s too late. There are other products out there but Airbourne is one of the best plus it tastes good.

I’d like to know who sued them. Was it competition or FDA backers, or?
I think we should sue them back in a class action law suit since I consider this a frivolous law suit. They have misread and misinterpreted the words for their own gain.
Probably the only reason Airbourne settled was because the cost is prohibitive and the main person is a school teacher not an attorney.

If this one doesn’t get fought then where will this stop? Just remember the FDA has been trying to put regulations on the vitamin industry for years but this (my) indudstry is too big and has been fighting back. Maybe this is a back door way of stopping the vitamin companies and putting the FDA as king again. Personally I’ve had nothing but problems from regular doctors and every time I’ve ended up healing myself naturally (I’m a HHP). Read the book “Sugar Blues” for the start of the FDA…interesting reading.

Anyone up for a fight?????

Lou G.  on September 22nd, 2008

I knew when I bought them that they were only supplements…

I also knew that without having a quick, simple way to take them every day (say popping a dissolvable in a bottle of water) I would probably never take them and get much sicker for much longer.

Everyone I ever recommended Airborne to said it served the purposes they had wanted it to.

Way to go America, thanks to our incessant need to bitch I might be heading into a pretty rough flu season.

John W. M.  on October 28th, 2008

My family and I have used Air Borne for several years. It works great. My kids do not get colds as often as their classmates. My wife teaches pre-school and she is much healthier because of Air Borne. We have recommended Air Borne to people that we know and they all say it works wonderful. This lawsuit is rediculous. Some Americans need to be kicked in the ass.

Janelle  on October 30th, 2008

I am a huge advocate for Airborne and I’m glad to see that people out there are too! I’ve always understood that it’s not a cure for a cold, but vitamins that are essential. I have taken a health class and read the label… I get it.

The only part I’m confused about is the writer’s claim about a “placebo”…. It was never mentioned that Airborne was giving sugar pills or false pills instead of vitamins? Confusing. I’ll research more.

I’ll continue to use Airborne if it’s available. I like taking one dose, not dozens of vitamins and herbs as I hate pills.

Great comments!

Iris Ameen  on November 4th, 2008

It’s a shame that the big companies who obviously don’t profit when people stay healthy will profit now that airborne will come off the shelves — In my opinion this class action suit is nothing but manipulation! This product is fabulous! I knew it was too good to last and eventually all those who’d make a profit off people buying regular medications for symptoms when they get sick would step in and find a way to turn their money faucet on again. Shame on you for participating! Shame on you for allowing a natural product that actually worked to be removed and replaced by chemicals — because that’s what’ll happen in most households! And shame on you for taking away our ability to choose! Frankly, I want the product to stay on the shelves: no one is forcing it on anyone who doesn’t want it! Stop denying me my right to access it!

Wow  on November 18th, 2008

Just goes to show how well placebos work!

AMIRITE?

Kevin  on December 17th, 2008

I have used Airborne in the past, and I feel like I was never deceived in any way. I understood that the produce was a dietary supplement, and that this was a collection of effective vitamins and minerals. I consumed this product with confidence even with the knowledge that I was already consuming a men’s multivitamin daily. I do not think this a frivolous lawsuit. Instead, I think this was an intentional lawsuit directed at ending the phenomena of black snake advertising labels. The problem is that the authorities and legal system went after the wrong people. Truth be told, they probably chose Airborne because they have plenty of money and were an easy target. After all, isn’t money what the legal system is really about in situations like this? I understand the argument of the legal decision, but I also understand that Airborne was not convicted, and they have admitted no wrongdoing. They probably settled for the stated amount because that would be cheaper than going through the legal process of defending themselves to the end of winning the lawsuit. The charges were probably so ambiguous in the way they were stated that no FDA approved drug (dietary supplements) could withstand the lawsuit. This probably boils down to pharmaceutical companies and doctors working in cahoots with the powers that be to ward off any competition to having people pay for their products and/or services. This is absolutely ludicrous and disappointing. I don’t believe that the authorities are sincere in this at all. Shame on them. Can they not understand their own English language?

Kristin  on December 20th, 2008

I agree that it is an immune booster however, I want to tell you my story just as a warning. I began taking the recommended dose of airborne less than two weeks ago because my husband was sick and I wanted to boost my immune system in hopes that I wouldn’t get sick. Yesterday, I woke up doubled over in pain. One CT scan later and I was diagnosed with a kidney stone. Now I am not going to say that without a doubt taking airborne caused my kidney stone but I will say that it was the one thing that changed in my diet and life prior to getting the kidney stone. It is also been proven that taking that amount of vitamin c everyday increases your risk of getting a kidney stone. Also keep in mind that I am 26, eat healthy, work our regularly and fall within the healthy range for my height and weight.

Andy  on December 26th, 2008

Did the original package contain the FDA mandated disclaimer that it was “not intended to diagnose, treat or cure” any disease or medical condition? If not, that might have contributed to the company’s decision to pay $23 million to settle. The language “helps your body fight germs” might be construed as an improper claim the product “treats” a cold. Personally, I use the product and like it. It seems to work.

Whit  on January 3rd, 2009

From the FAQ on Airborne’s site:

“I’ve heard there are lawsuits against the company. What are they about and are they still going on?

Sad to say, just about every company in the U.S. has to deal with lawsuits as part of doing business these days. On December 16, 2008, Airborne and 32 State Attorneys General announced the settlement of an investigation concerning some of the advertising and labeling that formerly had been used for Airborne dietary supplements. Airborne had previously settled two matters involving similar claims, one filed by class-action attorneys and another by the Federal Trade Commission. None of the lawsuits put in question the quality of Airborne, or the benefits of its ingredients for the immune system. The settlements did not involve any admission of wrongdoing on Airborne’s part, but they enabled the company to get back to what’s most important to us: making a great product that people love.”

anon  on January 3rd, 2009

In response to Brad - companies settle because it is cheaper and more economical for them to do so as oppose to going to court and fighting the suit. That is common sense idiot.

Jance H.  on January 6th, 2009

Alright i might be the only one to say this. but its all in your head. i think that the lawsuits a little bit over the top because it it doesnt say that its a cure. but its all in your head and if you think that taking it will help you then it will. This is not too big of a deal and all a yall really pissed me off when i was reading those comments. relax a bit. dont have to be an ass hole

Andy  on January 10th, 2009

I guess when times are tough the lawyers go looking for someone to put the pinch on. I’ve never seen this product advertised at medicine and there are no claims on the package that say it cures a cold. If you believe it does then please see me about a bridge I have to sell.

Airborne Lawsuit. | ThisIsKristin  on January 12th, 2009

[...] Apparently airborne is simply an overpriced vitamin and not a “cure all” after all.  (read more)  [...]

AMANDA  on January 29th, 2009

I just recently bought Airborne for the first time and I found that although I am already sick, it did make me feel a little better. Granted I am not full blown sick, but you know how you can tell when it’s coming on. I feel like the Airborne more so helps with the fatigue then anything, which helps me out at work alot. It’s sad that there are sue-happy people in the world..not every medicine is going to work on EVERYBODY all the time, you have to find what works with your body, and Airborne works on mine. So until it doesn’t work anymore, I’ll keep taking it to feel better.

Nora  on February 25th, 2009

I will be VERY disappointed if Airborne is taken off the market. I agree with the majority of the replies here that Airborne DOES seem to work at “boosting the immune system” or whatever you want to call it. Regardless, if something harmless genuinely makes you feel better when you feel like crap, why can’t you take it? I would rather not have my health and wellbeing micromanaged by “science”. This lawsuit was probably started and/or backed by a greedy pharmaceutical company.

Jeanmarie  on March 20th, 2009

I think Airborne is a great product. I work in retail and everyone at work has been sick with colds and viruses, so I tried Airborne and it worked well for me. As soon as I felt the first sign of a cold I took Airborne and within a day I was fine. I never got sick with the miserable colds and sore throats everyone else sufferd with. I would hate to see Airborne go off the market just because some people are too stupid to understand that Airborne is a vitamin product. I’ll keep buying as long as I can because it works.

Jesse  on March 30th, 2009

Airborne actually contains the backbone of a formula of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine for exactly what it claims to treat. There is validity to the formula, but not that which western society is ready to open to. However you look at it, the ingredients are written on the bottle, so if you are wondering if the product does what it claims, do the research to find out. Think for yourself.

bojangles  on April 14th, 2009

Couldn’t you just take a vitamin such as Centrum, or a generic vitamin (undoubtedly this would be cheaper than Airborne for the amount of vitamins you receive)? Also, you could just eat fruit or drink juice, you know? I don’t know much about the product and am not saying anything against it, just that there are more practical and economical ways of obtaining your daily nutrition to fend off disease. One more thing… Aaron says “This lawsuit inspires me. I think i’m going to file against Al Gore. I mean, he’s winning awards for preaching about man-made Global Warming…there’s no science backing his arguments up!!! (actually…science points to the exact opposite)”…
…You sir, are ridiculous.

Cybervoyageur  on May 4th, 2009

Airbourne has been a lifesaver for me, and it has worked as a placebo, will bravo for it! However, it has been a pretty powerful one for me, then, because every time I have had the faintest symptom of a cold coming on and have taken it immediately, look Ma! No cold! Would I be much off the mark if I said I detect the not-so-clean hands of the pharmaceutical industrial complex behind this lawsuit?

housewife39  on June 16th, 2009

I haven’t tried Airbourne but I am sick and tired of the FDA trying to take away our homeopathic alternatives to antibiotics. I use Zicam and have found a combination of Zicam, coral calcium and vitamin C to prevent a cold. I have not had a cold in 2 years and I used to get them 2 - 3 times a year causing my asthma to be a problem and placing my health in jeopardy. Let’s fight for our rights to alternative medicine of all kinds!!!!!

Toblerone  on July 28th, 2009

Boy oh boy. Anyone who knows anything could tell you that airborne is nothing but hooey and hogwarts.

Here, read this:

http://voont.com/airborne_dietary_supplement

This was written by the surgeon general arthur c clarke himself. If you don’t believe it that’s your own problem, pal.

Random Thoughts | Geek Soap Box  on September 17th, 2009

[...] medicine now may have closer ties to the snake oil of yore than any modern cure, if this lawsuit and subsequent class-action settlement are any indication.  Question: we are all up in arms over affordable healthcare and such, but how sad is it that we [...]

Black Coffee  on September 25th, 2009

I haven’t use airborne that much. I tried my best to eat right, get enough sleep to keep me going for the next day. After reviewing everybody’s support for airborne, it appears that Airborne had poor legal representation and got blindsided..

Shadow  on November 2nd, 2009

I find it interesting how people are willing to flock to the doctor’s office in droves for the “latest vaccination” (which God only knows what’s in them) but they are enraged over ingesting vitamins and natural substances our bodies are meant to take in. Who cares what the “experts” say? I don’t. I do believe in eating well, exercising, etc but it also doesn’t hurt to have an extra shield of protection (hence taking vitamins, supplements, etc). People who believe everything these so-called “experts” claim are people who can’t think for themselves and need to rely on ‘authoratative figures’ to do the thinking for them. Has any of these people stopped to think that maybe the pharmaceutical companies are the ones ripping them off??