Share this @internewscast.com

FDA panel: Common decongestant doesn’t work


FDA panel says decongestant in many cold medicines doesn’t work

03:46

Pharmacy chain CVS Health said it is pulling some of its most popular cold and cough medications from store shelves, weeks after advisors to the Food and Drug Administration deemed a common ingredient ineffective.

CVS told CBS MoneyWatch that it will no longer sell products that only contain phenylephrine as an active ingredient at its pharmacy stores. 

“We are removing certain oral cough and cold products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores,” the company said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

“Other oral cough and cold products will continue to be offered to meet consumer needs,” CVS added.

CVS said it is aware of the FDA Advisory Committee’s position on oral phenylephrine and is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations. It is pulling the decongestants voluntarily.

Oral phenylephrine is found in Dayquil, Mucinex Sinus-Max, Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion, Theraflu and other popular medications sold at pharmacies across the U.S.

“Modern studies, when well conducted, are not showing any improvement in congestion with phenylephrine,” Dr. Mark Dykewicz, an allergy specialist at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, said last month. 

Decongestants with phenylephrine account for roughly $1.8 billion in annual sales, according to the FDA.


On Call with Dr. Kumar: What to watch for in cold & flu meds this season

03:42

It’s unclear if other pharmacies will follow suit and remove drugs in which phenylephrine is the only active ingredient. Walgreens did not say if it will stop selling the medications, telling CBS MoneyWatch that it “follows FDA regulations.”

“We are closely monitoring the situation and actively partnering with the Walgreens Office of Clinical Integrity and suppliers on appropriate next steps,” a spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch. 

Rite Aid did not immediately reply to a request for comment. 

—The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Authorities Extend Beach Closures for July 4th Over Dangerous Bacteria Concerns

Clear skies and warm waters may tempt many to head to the…

Daily Bite of Food Consumed by 75 Million Americans Linked to Cancer

Experts are sounding the alarm over a common food that – in…

Cautionary Alert: Popular Supplement Linked to Potential Organ Damage and Nerve Issues

Britons taking a host of over-the-counter supplements are risking organ damage  and…

Avoid Storing Toothbrushes on the Sink: An Activity That Allows Bacteria to Linger

Many people believe their bathroom is clean as long as it looks…

Doctors caution about ‘BBL odor’… as they explain that patients face difficulties maintaining cleanliness following buttock enhancement procedures

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries have become one of the fastest-growing cosmetic…

Medical Experts Alert: Worrisome Trend Endangers Millions in the U.S. with Aggressive Cancer Risks

A fringe theory is catching fire online, and health experts are sounding…

“I Faced Death Seven Times and Didn’t See a Bright Light or Tunnel”

Shona Hirons experienced nothing when she nearly died (Image: Jam Press) A…

Scientists Identify Eight Daily Habits That Boost Heart Health and Reduce Mortality Risk

A recent study has discovered that scoring low on Life’s Essential 8…

For Optimal Health Benefits, Drink Coffee at This Specific Time

Whether it’s the flavour, the ritual, or the energising boost, coffee is…

Mom Shares Overlooked Symptom That Led to Shocking Bowel Cancer Diagnosis

A mum has revealed the unexplained symptom she experienced for months before…

Dietitian Recommends Two Teas to Support Women with PCOS

A public health nutritionist has drawn attention to new research indicating that…