CVS said on Thursday that it’s voluntarily removing certain common oral cough and cold products after a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel determined last month that its energetic ingredient doesn’t work.
“We’re voluntarily removing certain oral cough and cold products that contain phenylephrine because the only energetic ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores,” a CVS spokesperson said. “Other oral cough and cold products will proceed to be offered to fulfill consumer needs.”
“We’re aware of the FDA Advisory Committee’s position on oral phenylephrine (PE) and can follow direction from the FDA to make sure products we sell comply with all laws and regulations,” the spokesperson continued.
The move comes only a month in any case 16 members of the FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee (NDAC) agreed that oral phenylephrine, present in common versions of Sudafed, Mucinex, Vicks, Allegra and Dayquil, isn’t effective in offering relief from nasal congestion.
The FDA clarified that neither the agency nor the committee raised concerns about issues of safety with use of oral phenylephrine on the beneficial dose.
The committee’s purpose is to supply independent advice and suggestions to the FDA, but the federal government agency makes final decisions.
Although the FDA hasn’t made any decision regarding the product’s effectiveness, CVS decided to tug the products.
A Walgreens spokesperson told FOX Business that it’s “closely monitoring the situation and actively partnering with the Walgreens Office of Clinical Integrity and suppliers on appropriate next steps.”
Representatives for Rite Aid haven’t immediately responded to FOX Business’ request for comment.
Following the panel’s discussion, the FDA issued a notice alerting consumers that there are a selection of products that do work to treat symptoms aside from congestion.
The committee’s recommendations also only related to orally administered phenylephrine and never the nasal spray form, in line with the FDA.
While some products only contain phenylephrine, other products contain phenylephrine and one other energetic ingredient comparable to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which treats symptoms like headaches or muscle aches.
“The presence of phenylephrine in these products doesn’t affect how other energetic ingredients work to treat those symptoms,” the FDA said in a September release.
On condition that quite a lot of different drug products could also be sold under the identical brand name, “consumers should all the time read the drug facts label to find out which ingredients are in a medicine, in addition to vital warnings and directions to be used,” the agency warned.
If the total agency determines that oral phenylephrine is just not effective, which can be a lengthy process and include public input, it said it could “work closely with manufacturers to reformulate products as needed to assist ensure availability of protected and effective products to treat symptoms of colds or allergies.”