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.
Nearly 20 billion units of phenylephrine were sold between 2012 and 2021, but last year FDA advisors determined the nasal decongestant is ineffective and the agency is considering recalls for Sudafed, Tylenol and other drugs
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.
Johnson & Johnson faces a class action lawsuit over Sudafed PE, alleging that consumers paid a premium price for a nasal decongestant that has been proven to be ineffective and failed to relieve their symptoms.
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
Consumers paid premium prices for cold medications for decades which contained a nasal decongestant that did not work, the lawsuit claims.
