Every cold and flu season, millions of Americans reach for these products, some over decades.
The decongestant is in at least 250 products that were worth nearly $1.8 billion in sales last year, according to an agency presentation.
Among the products: Sudafed Sinus Congestion, Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe, NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu, Theraflu Severe Cold Relief, Mucinex Sinus Max and others.
The ingredient has long been considered safe and effective under an old, outdated agency standard, and the F.D.A.
The agency also may give the drug companies a grace period to swap ingredients in products, if required.
Persons:
Leslie Hendeles, Hendeles, ”, Marcia D, Howard
Organizations:
Staples, Medicine Cabinet, University of Florida, Consumer Healthcare Products Association, White