The FDA says oral phenylephrine, used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, "is not effective as a nasal decongestant."

Summary

The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines like NyQuil and Sudafed, due to evidence that it is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.

The proposal follows a unanimous vote by FDA advisers last year, and recent studies showing less than 1% of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally.

The public comment period ends on May 7, after which the FDA may finalize the ban.

  • ℍ𝕂-𝟞𝟝@sopuli.xyzEnglish
    32·
    7 days ago

    Sooo I see the thread is full of US people here and it’s so strange. I don’t have drug brand preferences. I go to my doctor, my doctor tells me what to take, I go to the pharmacy, they give it to me, and I take it as instructed.

    Am I missing out on anything?

    • WolfLink@sh.itjust.works
      13·
      7 days ago

      These are over-the counter cough suppressants that you buy from the store without ever needing to see a doctor.

      • ℍ𝕂-𝟞𝟝@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        31·
        7 days ago

        I still usually call my doctor for OTC stuff, and if my doctor says I need it, insurance gets to pay for it. Going to the doctor usually saves me money. And if I schedule it during a workday, it’s not my time going either but my employer’s, if it even needs more than a phone consult.

        • M0oP0o@mander.xyz
          4·
          7 days ago

          Well look at fancy pants over here with a Doctor.

          (Really here in Canada I have been without a Dr for about 9 years now, it sucks)

    • GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca
      61·
      7 days ago

      You’re missing out on a lot of ads telling you how much you need to ask your doctor for certain drugs. That’s about it.