Central New Yorkers with nasal congestion may need to speak with a pharmacist this cold and flu season. The FDA has proposed removing phenylephrine, a widely used ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines, because it is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.
This decision follows a unanimous vote by a FDA advisory committee, which found that phenylephrine does not work better than a placebo. This follows class action lawsuits from consumers who feel deceived by the ineffective ingredient.
If the FDA’s proposal is finalized, manufacturers will need to reformulate their products or remove them from the market.
