Breckenridge Pharmaceutical Inc. has reached a class action settlement resolving claims that its generic duloxetine (Cymbalta) contained a cancer-causing impurity.
In 2024, Breckenridge recalled generic duloxetine products. Duloxetine is an antidepressant that is also used to treat anxiety, diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia and chronic pain.
While Breckenridge denies any wrongdoing, it agreed to both a class action settlement and a duloxetine recall refund program to resolve these allegations.
Under the generic Cymbalta settlement, eligible consumers may have two separate ways to receive a refund:
a Class Action Settlement covering certain past purchases, and
a Future Refund Program for products subject to a recall initiated after May 22, 2025.
Class Action Settlement Refund Program
Under the terms of the class action settlement, eligible consumers who paid for a prescription of Breckenridge duloxetine before May 22, 2025, may be entitled to a cash payment, depending on the product purchased and the documentation provided.
Class members can receive a single $5 payment with proof of purchase, such as pharmacy or insurance records.
Class members who purchased duloxetine from recalled lot numbers may receive a single $7.50 payment with proof of purchase or documentation showing the affected lot number.
Instead of these flat payments, some consumers may qualify for up to $10 per prescription if they were unable to use their medication due to the recall. To qualify, claimants must provide proof of purchase and either return unused recalled medication or submit a sworn certification.
By participating in the class action settlement, class members release certain economic claims related to duloxetine purchases made during the settlement period.
Claims under the Class Action Settlement Refund must be submitted by Dec. 27, 2025.
2. Future Refund Program
In addition to the class action settlement, Breckenridge has established a separate Future Refund Program.
The Future Refund Program applies only to Breckenridge duloxetine recalled after May 22, 2025.
Under this program, eligible consumers may receive a refund of their actual out-of-pocket costs for unused recalled duloxetine, provided they return the medication and submit a valid claim.
Consumers may be eligible for a Future Refund Program refund even if they also submitted a claim under the class action settlement, as long as the recall occurred after May 22, 2025.
Claims under the Future Refund Program must be submitted by Jan. 1, 2028.