CVS Removes Ineffective Cold Medicines from Shelves

CVS Health plans to remove a type of decongestant from its shelves after an advisory committee to the FDA deemed it ineffective. The decongestant, phenylephrine (PE), is found in several over-the-counter medications. The FDA committee unanimously voted that PE did not improve nasal congestion more than a placebo. CVS will remove products containing PE as the only active ingredient, while those with a combination of active ingredients will remain available. The FDA has not yet determined the safety and effectiveness of PE and CVS's move is voluntary. Other major pharmacy chains have not disclosed their plans regarding PE products.