Cold remedies like Sudafed, DayQuil, and Benadryl, staples in many households, have recently been yanked from store shelves, sparking a flurry of speculation and worry.
TikToker Robbie Zukowski’s video has fanned the flames of this debate, suggesting a possible conspiracy behind the FDA’s decision.
As his video goes viral, the question on everyone’s lips is: what’s really going on? Join us as we delve deeper into this unfolding saga.
The Viral TikTok Video
TikToker Robbie Zukowski recently posted a video that has garnered significant attention, with over 564,000 views in just two days. In the video, he highlights the noticeable absence of popular cold medications like Sudafed, DayQuil, and Benadryl from store shelves.
Robbie poses a question to his viewers, asking,
“Does anyone else think it’s suspicious as hell that the FDA has taken Sudafed, Dayquil, and Benadryl off the shelves?”
As he speaks, he is seen preparing a concoction of hydrogen peroxide and essential oils, which he mentions is a mouthwash/Waterpik solution.
He further emphasizes his point by stating, “I’ve used Dayquil my whole life and it works!” expressing his surprise and concern over the situation.
@just_me_robble♬ original sound – Robble
Public POV
Zukowski’s video has clearly struck a chord with many viewers, particularly those who rely on over-the-counter medications for relief from illnesses or allergies.
Many expressed their concerns in the comments. One user exclaimed,
“I need Benadryl! It’s the only fix for my allergic reactions.”
Another user echoed this sentiment, asking,
“Benadryl has always worked when I’ve had an allergic reaction. Anyone else?”
Others shared their personal experiences with these medications. One person mentioned,
“I literally just had flu/strep and I used day/nyquil for a week and I’m better now.”
A sentiment of suspicion was also evident, with a commenter stating,
“I think it’s weird how they keep removing the things that work!”
This suggests distrust or confusion regarding the removal or changes to familiar and trusted medications.
The Real Reason Behind the Removal
While the video has stirred panic and speculation, the actual reason for removing these medications is more straightforward than a conspiracy. Popular over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, including well-known brands like Sudafed, DayQuil, and Benadryl, are facing potential removal from store shelves.
The reason?
A key ingredient in these medications, oral phenylephrine, has been deemed ineffective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel. This unanimous decision is based on multiple studies that found oral phenylephrine to be no more effective than a placebo.
The FDA shared evidence suggesting that only a minuscule amount of the drug reaches the nose to alleviate congestion when taken orally. While the video has stirred panic and speculation, the actual reason for removing these medications is more straightforward than a conspiracy.
Here is what a follow up FDA statement explained:
The committee discussed new data on the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine and concluded that the current scientific data do not support that the recommended dosage of orally administered phenylephrine is effective as a nasal decongestant. However, neither FDA nor the committee raised concerns about safety issues with use of oral phenylephrine at the recommended dose.
Market Impact and Consumer Concerns
This decision is expected to disrupt the market for OTC cold and allergy remedies significantly. Phenylephrine, found in medications like Sudafed PE and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion, generated almost $1.8 billion in sales last year.
If the FDA follows through on the panel’s recommendations, pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson and Bayer might have to either reformulate their products or remove them from the market. This could lead consumers to opt for behind-the-counter versions of these medications or switch to nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, which are still considered effective.
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association expressed concerns, emphasizing that consumers prefer oral decongestants over nasal sprays by a ratio of 3 to 1.
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Sources
- forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/09/12/heres-why-many-decongestants-may-soon-disappear-from-store-shelves/
- nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-panel-says-common-counter-decongestant-phneylephrine-doesnt-work-rcna104424
- cbsnews.com/news/nasal-decongestant-phenylephrine-congestion-fda-experts/
- fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-clarifies-results-recent-advisory-committee-meeting-oral-phenylephrine
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
