CVS Is Pulling Decongestants With Oral Phenylephrine Off Their Shelves

Following the FDA Advisory Committee's determination that oral phenylephrine is ineffective, CVS Pharmacy is removing cough and cold medicines containing only phenylephrine as an active ingredient from its shelves.

Dayquil, Mucinex Sinus-Max, Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion, Theraflu, and other commonly used medications sold in pharmacies across the United States contain oral phenylephrine.

CVS said it is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and is pulling the decongestants voluntarily.

Decongestants with phenylephrine account for roughly $1.8 billion in annual sales. It is unclear whether other pharmacies will follow suit and remove drugs in which phenylephrine is the only active ingredient.