CVS is pulling some common cold medicines from its shelves

CVS has announced the removal of certain over-the-counter cold remedies from its stores following a recent finding by a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee, which determined that a key ingredient in these medicines lacks effectiveness.

“We are aware of the FDA Advisory Committee’s position on oral phenylephrine (PE) and will follow direction from the FDA to ensure products we sell comply with all laws and regulations,” CVS communicated in a statement to The Hill.

The pharmacy chain specified, “We are removing certain oral cough and cold products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores. Other oral cough and cold products will continue to be offered to meet consumer needs,” as per their statement.

In a recent assessment, the FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee evaluated the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine, a component in medications such as Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion ULTRATABS, for nasal congestion relief.

During a meeting last month, advisory committee members voted against the efficacy of oral phenylephrine and deliberated on potentially withdrawing phenylephrine-based products from the market.

Committee member Maryann Amirshahi emphasized that if these products were to be withdrawn, it should be understood as “more of an efficacy issue as opposed to a safety issue.”