CVS Health’s decision to remove certain cough-and-cold treatments from its shelves is a proactive step taken to address concerns regarding the efficacy of specific over-the-counter medications. The main focus of this action is to discontinue the sale of oral decongestants that mainly contain phenylephrine as the active ingredient. Phenylephrine has been a common ingredient in various cold and flu remedies, including well-known brands such as Dayquil and Sudafed. These products have been a staple on store shelves and have been used by consumers for years.

The concern surrounding phenylephrine’s effectiveness is rooted in recent studies conducted by major pharmaceutical companies. Research by Merck and Johnson & Johnson indicated that there is little to no significant difference between phenylephrine medications and placebos when it comes to relieving congestion. The unanimous decision by the advisers of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the ineffectiveness of phenylephrine further emphasized these apprehensions.

One noteworthy aspect is that the FDA’s advisers have suggested that phenylephrine may be more effective when applied directly to the nose in the form of drops or sprays. This is in contrast to its use as the primary decongestant ingredient in oral medications. The products utilizing this alternative approach have not come under FDA review and remain available to consumers.

Phenylephrine rose to prominence as the primary ingredient in non-prescription decongestants following the relocation of pseudoephedrine, an older and more efficient component, to be stored behind pharmacy counters. The primary motivation for this change was the risk of pseudoephedrine being used in the illegal production of methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine-containing medications such as Sudafed were then subjected to sales restrictions, however, the original versions of these formulations remained available without the need for a prescription.

CVS Health’s decision to pull certain cough-and-cold treatments from its shelves is particularly significant because it occurs as the United States is on the cusp of another cold and flu season with the arrival of winter. In the preceding year, a swift onset of the season resulted in a scarcity of widely used non-prescription medications such as Children’s Tylenol. These products are crucial for individuals seeking over-the-counter remedies to relieve their symptoms during the cold and flu season.

While CVS Health has taken proactive steps in response to concerns about phenylephrine’s efficacy, its competitor Walgreens has not yet taken similar actions. Instead, Walgreens is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with its clinical integrity office and suppliers to determine the appropriate steps. This demonstrates the importance of staying informed about the medications and remedies we use, especially when changes in their effectiveness are discovered through ongoing research and evaluation.