"CVS Removes Top-Selling Cold Medicines from Shelves"
CVS is voluntarily removing certain oral cough and cold products from its stores after an FDA advisory panel concluded that the active ingredient, phenylephrine, does not work effectively in relieving nasal congestion. The FDA has not made a final decision on the product's effectiveness, but CVS is following the panel's recommendations. Other major pharmacy chains like Walgreens and Rite Aid are monitoring the situation. The FDA clarified that the committee's recommendations only apply to orally administered phenylephrine and not the nasal spray form. The agency advises consumers to read drug labels carefully to determine the ingredients and warnings. If the FDA determines that oral phenylephrine is ineffective, it will work with manufacturers to reformulate products.
