CVS removes ineffective decongestants from shelves & discontinues sales

CVS Health (NYSE:) has decided to remove certain common decongestants from its store shelves and discontinue their sale. This decision follows the recent determination by advisors to U.S. health regulators that an ingredient doesn’t work. These products contain oral phenylephrine, an ingredient with a history dating back almost a century, commonly found in decongestants, over-the-counter pills, syrups, and liquids used to relieve nasal congestion.

An advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded last month that phenylephrine was not effective when taken orally. While the FDA stated that oral phenylephrine formulations were safe, it also acknowledged their lack of effectiveness even at standard or higher doses.

It’s important to note that the FDA has not yet made a final decision on this matter, nor has it requested manufacturers or retailers to remove these products from store shelves. CVS is removing phenylephrine products voluntarily.