Rite Aid to Keep Products with Phenylephrine on Shelves
Rite Aid has announced that it will continue to stock products containing phenylephrine, at least for the time being. According to a spokesperson for Rite Aid, the company follows regulatory guidance, including that of the FDA, and is dedicated to offering safe and approved products to meet the healthcare needs of its customers. Rite Aid pharmacists are available to provide guidance on over-the-counter solutions for cold and illness symptoms.
This decision comes after an independent advisory committee to the FDA declared that phenylephrine is ineffective when taken orally. However, Rite Aid has stated that it will comply with any FDA decision to remove products with this ingredient in the future.
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CVS has already announced their intention to remove products containing phenylephrine from their stores, while Walgreens is waiting for the final decision from federal regulators. CVS stated that they are removing certain oral cough and cold products with phenylephrine as the only active ingredient, but will continue to sell other oral cough and cold products to meet consumer needs.
CNN has reached out to other retail pharmacies to see if they are planning similar actions.
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While the FDA considers phenylephrine safe for use, some doctors have questioned its effectiveness for years. Sales of these products reached nearly $1.8 billion last year. The FDA Advisory Committee recently voted against the efficacy of orally administered phenylephrine as a nasal decongestant.
The FDA has yet to issue a final decision on phenylephrine and has not asked for the removal of products containing the ingredient from store shelves. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association opposes any changes and urged the FDA to consider the evidence and potential negative consequences before making regulatory changes.
According to the CHPA, oral phenylephrine is currently considered a Category 1 OTC ingredient, recognized as safe and effective (GRASE), until the FDA reaches a determination.
CNNW Contributed to this report.
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