Posted 9/16/2023, 1:05:14 PM

Major Retailers Sued Over Ineffective Decongestant Ingredients

Lawsuit filed in California seeks damages for consumers who bought over-the-counter decongestants containing phenylephrine, which was found ineffective.
At least 250 products contain phenylephrine, including name brands and generics from major retailers.
14 retailers and drug companies named as defendants, including Walmart, CVS, Amazon, Target.
Lawsuit argues statute of limitations should start when FDA panel found phenylephrine ineffective earlier this week.
Plaintiffs seek payment for all who bought the products, plus corrective advertising campaign from companies.

mercurynews.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/12/2023

FDA Panel Questions Effectiveness of Common Cold Medicine Ingredient

The FDA has concluded that phenylephrine, a common decongestant ingredient in over-the-counter cold and flu medications, is no more effective than a placebo, possibly leading to the removal of these medicines from shelves as manufacturers work to find alternative formulas.

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Major Companies Sued for False Marketing of Ineffective Phenylephrine in Cold Medicines

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9/19/2023

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9/22/2023

FTC Sues Anesthesia Group and Private Equity Firm for Anticompetitive Consolidation Driving Up Healthcare Prices

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