"Phenylephrine Ban's Impact on Access to Remedies"

The U.S. FDA is considering removing phenylephrine, an ineffective nasal decongestant, from over-the-counter cold remedies, which could disrupt supply chains and leave consumers without readily available options. Despite its lack of effectiveness, phenylephrine products remain popular due to their combination with other helpful ingredients. This dilemma highlights the need for tighter regulation of over-the-counter medications and a comparable pathway for monitoring their effectiveness, according to researchers.