A.H. Robins

A.H. Robins was a major U.S.-based pharmaceutical and consumer health company known for brands such as Robitussin, ChapStick, Dimetapp, and the Dalkon Shield IUD. The company grew rapidly through the mid-to-late 20th century but filed for bankruptcy in 1985 due to massive litigation over injuries caused by the Dalkon Shield intrauterine device. It was acquired by American Home Products in 1989. Clinical results of its marketed products varied; while many OTC medicines became household names with strong safety records, the Dalkon Shield caused serious adverse events including deaths and led to one of history's largest product liability settlements. The company's legacy brands continue under successors Wyeth/Pfizer. Pipeline breadth at time of acquisition included dozens of marketed prescription and OTC drugs plus medical devices.