Nasal decongestant phenylephrine has been used in versions of Sudafed, Benadryl, NyQuil and other popular products, but it has been found to be ineffective when taken orally.
Same benzene-releasing chemical may have been found in other generic store-brand versions of Anbesol, Bengay and sunscreen products.
Generic versions of Mucinex containing benzene have been sold by major pharmacies and retailers, like CVS and Walgreens, the report found.
Nasal decongestant lawsuits began to be filed throughout the federal court system this year, after an FDA advisory committee determined the ingredient phenylephrine is not effective when taken orally.
Researchers say it would be a "disservice" to consumers if the FDA leaves the ineffective nasal decongestant on the market, indicating widespread cold medication recalls are necessary
FDA advisors say a decongestant commonly used in OTC cold medications has low bioavailability, making it ineffective when taken orally. The findings may result in a wave of decongestant recalls in the coming months.
