FDA ADMITS This Drug Is a DUD
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 14, 2023
Recently, the FDA made a shocking announcement.
An over-the-counter (OTC) drug, approved by the agency long ago…
(AND sold to us for over 20 years!)
Doesn’t work.
Yup, you read that right. It’s USELESS.
But it’s not even THAT fact that has my head spinning.
It’s what they had to say about how correcting the situation will affect US.
According to the FDA, pulling this useless decongestant from the market will harm consumers.
They refer to mysterious “downstream effects” in their briefing.
But let’s be perfectly clear about one thing. Taking a drug that DOESN’T WORK off store shelves is a GOOD thing for consumers.
Yet, at the moment, there are no solid plans to stop selling products with it. The agency claims they need more clinical data before making any final decisions.
So how did we get here? Let’s take a quick look…
Around 20 years ago, two things happened.
- In 2004, an herb that had long been used in traditional medicine called Ephedra sinica was banned after several people taking very high doses of the plant were injured or died.
- Then, in 2005, the FDA created the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, which banned the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine, made from the same plant. That means you now have to ask the pharmacist for it.
So, an effective decongestant was removed from store shelves because of a small group of bad actors.
But since another nasal decongestant called phenylephrine (brand names include Sudafed PE and Suphedrine PE) was still available, they considered it an acceptable compromise.
There’s just one BIG problem. Fast forward to the present, and after taking a long-term look at the evidence, the FDA now says phenylephrine doesn’t even work.
Not only that, despite being considered safe, phenylephrine comes with a list of potential side effects, including stomach upset, trouble sleeping, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nervousness, shaking, and fast heartbeat.
Yet incredibly, at this moment, you can STILL go buy products containing this decongestant.
Don’t waste your money on these products. Try some natural alternatives instead.
The herbs echinacea, turmeric, and olive leaf support your immune system, reducing your risk of catching a cold or flu bug. Plus, they can reduce your symptoms and shorten the length of your illness should you get sick.
P.S. Small (but powerful!) berry ends colds and flu!
Source:
FDA Briefing Document: “Efficacy of Oral Phenylephrine as a Nasal Decongestant,” NDAC Briefing Document: Oral Phenylephrine in the CCABA Monograph 1, Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee Meeting, September 11 and 12, 2023
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...