“Say Goodbye to Phenylephrine: CVS Health Nixing Decongestants!

CVS Health, the popular pharmacy chain, recently announced that it will no longer carry decongestant products with the active ingredient phenylephrine. This is a major move in the effort to reduce medication misuse and addiction. Phenylephrine is a common ingredient found in many different decongestant and cough and cold medicines, but it also has the potential to be abused as a stimulant drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) lists it as a Class 5 & 6 Substance, meaning it has been identified as posing a risk potential for abuse, but with a lower dependence liability than drugs in Classes 1,2,3, and 4. CVS Health took the decision to no longer stock decongestants containing phenylephrine after doing careful research into the risks associated with this product. They believe that removing phenylephrine from their stores will reduce the potential for abuse and addiction associated with the misuse of this ingredient. This is not the first time CVS Health has taken action to reduce the abuse and misuse of medication, and this latest move is a positive step towards reducing the potential for diversion and abuse of certain drugs. While CVS Health’s decision will affect a limited number of products, it is a proactive and responsible measure that should be applauded by advocates for public health and safety.