Phenylephrine Controversy: Rite Aid Keeps, CVS Removes Cold Medications from Shelves

Rite Aid will continue to sell medications containing phenylephrine, a popular ingredient in cold and cough products, despite an advisory committee declaring it ineffective when taken orally. The decision is subject to change if the FDA decides to remove products with this ingredient. CVS, on the other hand, has already announced the removal of such products from their stores, while Walgreens is awaiting a final decision from federal regulators. The FDA has not issued a final decision yet and has not asked manufacturers or retail pharmacies to remove products with phenylephrine from shelves.