An FDA advisory group confirmed some popular decongestants are ineffective. Now what do we do?
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Phenylephrine is the main ingredient used in many common over-the-counter congestion products. It is safe to use, but an independent advisory committee to the FDA agreed Tuesday that it is ineffective in pill form. Other forms like nasal sprays are still believed to be effective.
Just in time for fall and winter sniffles, an advisory committee to the US Food and Drug Administration has decided that a popular ingredient in oral cold and allergy medications doesn’t work.
What do we do now?
“There’s so many options out there,” said Dr. David C. Brodner, an otolaryngologist in Boynton Beach, Florida. “You’ll still have options if you want to go and try some home remedies or pharmacy remedies on your own before you see a doctor.”
Phenylephrine is the main ingredient used in many common over-the-counter congestion products. It is safe to use, but an independent advisory committee to the FDA agreed Tuesday that it is ineffective in pill form. Other forms like nasal sprays are still believed to be effective.
Pill forms of phenylephrine are still available to buy while the FDA seeks public comment and makes a final decision on whether companies will need to pull or reformulate the medication, according to the administration.
If a cold or viral upper respiratory infection lasts seven to 10 days without getting better — or if it gets worse — Brodner recommends seeing a doctor.
But before then, there are things you can do at home to help relieve your symptoms, he said.
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