CVS Health is making a proactive move by discontinuing certain cough-and-cold treatments that contain an ingredient deemed ineffective by medical professionals and researchers. Specifically, the drugstore chain will be removing a limited selection of oral decongestants that rely solely on phenylephrine as the active ingredient. However, CVS has assured its customers that it will continue to offer a wide range of alternative oral cough and cold products to cater to their needs. With over 9,000 stores across the United States, CVS Health’s decision stands in contrast to its national competitor, Walgreens, which has chosen not to withdraw any products
A spokesperson for Walgreens has indicated that the company is closely monitoring the situation and working in collaboration with its clinical integrity office and suppliers to determine the most appropriate course of action. This move comes after a unanimous vote by U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisers last month, expressing doubts about the efficacy of phenylephrine, an ingredient found in popular products like Sudafed and Dayquil, which are readily available on store shelves.
The FDA had solicited the input of external advisers to evaluate the long-standing concerns surrounding this particular drug ingredient. Recent studies conducted by pharmaceutical companies Merck and Johnson & Johnson have shown no significant difference between phenylephrine medications and placebos in terms of relieving congestion. The FDA, while yet to act on its advisers’ recommendation, suggests that phenylephrine may be more effective when administered directly to the nasal passages through sprays or drops, and these products are not currently under review.
Phenylephrine had gained prominence as the primary ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants after medications containing the older ingredient, pseudoephedrine, were moved behind pharmacy counters due to the 2006 law, which was enacted to combat the illegal processing of pseudoephedrine into methamphetamine. Original formulations of products like Sudafed are still available without a prescription.
CVS Health’s decision comes just before the onset of another cold and flu season in the United States, as winter approaches. In the previous year, an unusually early start to the season led to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other non-prescription medications. Customers will need to stay informed about these changes as they prepare for the upcoming season.
(Source: Tom Murphy | Associated Press | CBS News)
