Health Care — Common cold medicine pulled by CVS

Presented by Otsuka — The FDA says oral phenylephrine is not supported as a nasal decongestant

View Online Health Care Health Care PRESENTED BY  The Big Story  CVS pulls common decongestant off shelves The retail chain said it is pulling products containing the active ingredient known as phenylephrine following a recent development from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). © AP What prompted the move: CVS announced it would pull the medicines off its shelves after the FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee last month unanimously voted "no" on the question of whether there was evidence to support oral phenylephrine as a nasal decongestant.   "We are removing certain oral cough and cold products that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient from CVS Pharmacy stores. Other oral cough and cold products will continue to be offered to meet consumer needs," CVS said in a statement on Thursday.   Sudafed PE Sinus Congestion and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion ULTRATABS are two well-known products that contain phenylephrine.   How other companies are responding: Other major pharmacy chains like Walgreens and RiteAid indicated they are in a holding pattern.   The FDA has not ordered products with phenylephrine to be removed, and CVS's decision was voluntary.   "We are closely monitoring the situation and actively partnering with the Walgreens Office of Clinical Integrity and suppliers on appropriate next steps," Walgreens said in a statement to The Hill.   Rite Aid, meanwhile, indicated it would keep products with the ingredient on shelves for now, saying it "is committed to providing convenient access to approved products to address our customers' healthcare needs."   "Our pharmacists are available to provide guidance to customers on over-the-counter solutions for alleviating symptoms associated with colds and other illnesses," it added.   Good to Know:  While the ingredient's efficacy has fallen into doubt, phenylephrine is generally believed to be safe when consumed. Data presented to the FDA committee indicated that the bioavailability of phenylephrine products — the proportion that enters the bloodstream — was less than 1 percent, as most of it is metabolized. The question surrounding phenylephrine is not a new issue. Going as far back as 2007, FDA experts found that study results were inconsistent, and the design of those trials would not meet current standards. Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, we're Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: Newsom visits Israeli hospital, mourns 'unspeakable tragedy' California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) spent the day on Friday in Israel, where he met with families impacted by Hamas's recent unprecedented attack on the country.  Full Story Former lawmaker says family members killed in Israel-Hamas airstrikes Former Rep. Justin Amash (I-Mich.), the first Palestinian-American to serve in Congress, posted online that his family members were killed in Gaza amid the ongoing airstrikes between Israel and militant group Hamas.  Full Story Affordable Care Act provisions codified under Michigan law by Gov. Whitmer as a hedge against repeal (AP) — Federal law that prohibits insurers from denying healthcare based on preexisting conditions, or kicking dependents off their parent's coverage until age 26, is now codified separately into Michigan law.  Full Story On Our Radar  Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic will hold a hearing to examine the "effectiveness" of the World Health Organization and look into its response to the COVID-19 pandemic next Tuesday. A MESSAGE FROM OTSUKA    We hold a deep respect for the value of every mind. At Otsuka, we will not rest until mental illnesses and brain conditions are approached with the same priority and urgency as our physical health.  Discover our commitment to health for every mind.  In Other News  Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Georgia Medicaid program with work requirement has enrolled only 1,343 residents in 3 months ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s new health plan for low-income adults has enrolled only 1,343 people through the end of September about three months after launching, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The Georgia Department of Community Health has projected up to 100,000 people could eventually benefit from Georgia … Full Story Around the Nation  Local and state headlines on health care: Mississippians can soon take free Uber rides to health department appointments (Mississippi Today) State Health Plan considers cutting weight loss drug coverage for state employees, retirees (WRAL) Alaska vital statistics show declines in both deaths and births in 2022 (Alaska Public Media) What We're Reading  Health news we've flagged from other outlets: Federal program aims to combat overdoses among expectant parents (KFF Health News) Sanofi seeing 'unprecedented' demand for RSV therapy (Reuters) Pharmacists can make shortage drugs, but at what cost? (Stat) What Others are Reading  Most read stories on The Hill right now: Anti-McCarthy Republicans say they'll accept conference punishment if holdouts vote for Jordan Seven of the eight Republicans who sided with Democrats to oust then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) earlier this month said Friday they would be … Read more Floodgates open: Here's who's running for Speaker as GOP seeks third nominee The field of those vying to be the House GOP's third nominee for Speaker is quickly becoming crowded after the conference voted on Friday to drop House … Read more What People Think  Opinions related to health submitted to The Hill: A better way to address the US epidemics of loneliness and despair We need a public option for pharmaceuticals   You're all caught up. See you next week!  Check out The Hill's Health Care page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? 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