CVS Voluntarily Removes Ineffective Oral Cough/Cold Products with Phenylephrine

CVS voluntarily removed oral cough/cold products containing phenylephrine as the only active ingredient, following an FDA advisory panel's determination that phenylephrine doesn't work.

The FDA advisory panel agreed oral phenylephrine isn't effective for nasal congestion relief, but didn't raise safety concerns when used at recommended doses.

CVS decided to pull the products, although the FDA hasn't made a final decision on phenylephrine's effectiveness.

The FDA clarified its advisory committee's recommendation only relates to oral phenylephrine, not the nasal spray form.

If the FDA eventually determines oral phenylephrine is ineffective, it would work with manufacturers to reformulate affected products.