Summary
The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicines like NyQuil and Sudafed, due to evidence that it is ineffective as a nasal decongestant.
The proposal follows a unanimous vote by FDA advisers last year, and recent studies showing less than 1% of the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally.
The public comment period ends on May 7, after which the FDA may finalize the ban.
Sooo I see the thread is full of US people here and it’s so strange. I don’t have drug brand preferences. I go to my doctor, my doctor tells me what to take, I go to the pharmacy, they give it to me, and I take it as instructed.
Am I missing out on anything?
You’re missing out on a lot of ads telling you how much you need to ask your doctor for certain drugs. That’s about it.
These are over-the counter cough suppressants that you buy from the store without ever needing to see a doctor.
I still usually call my doctor for OTC stuff, and if my doctor says I need it, insurance gets to pay for it. Going to the doctor usually saves me money. And if I schedule it during a workday, it’s not my time going either but my employer’s, if it even needs more than a phone consult.
Over here having your doctor would cost at least a $40 copay and wouldn’t get insurance to pay
Well look at fancy pants over here with a Doctor.
(Really here in Canada I have been without a Dr for about 9 years now, it sucks)