CVS Health recently announced that it will no longer sell decongestants containing the drug phenylephrine in an effort to reduce the misuse of the medication. Phenylephrine is a common ingredient in over-the-counter decongestants, such as Sudafed and Dayquil, and is used to treat symptoms of cold and allergies.
The company said it had taken the decision to limit the sale of phenylephrine containing products in order to help protect public health. The misuse of phenylephrine can potentially lead to drug dependence and other health risks. The company has also committed to working with law enforcement and regulatory partners in order to reduce the abuse of other controlled substances.
CVS Health said it will continue to sell decongestants that do not contain phenylephrine. Retailers will be contacted in the upcoming weeks to check and ensure that all phenylephrine containing decongestants have been removed from CVS Pharmacy shelves. This move by the major retailer comes at a time when drug misuse and addiction are increasingly seen as national public health crises.
In the past, CVS Health has taken a number of measures to discourage the misuse of medications such as opioids and sleeping pills. Last year, the chain announced that it would limit the amount of opioids dispensed in order to reduce the number of pills available in the community. The company has also been a strong advocate for the implementation of safe, secure prescribing practices that can help reduce the risk of opioid overdose.
The decision by CVS Health to no longer sell decongestants containing phenylephrine is yet another example of the company’s commitment to public health. This move is sure to be seen as a step in the right direction by many within the medical community who are working to reduce the dangers of medication misuse.
