Where did my Allergy Decongestant go?

It's Still in the Store - Just not on the Shelf

(Family Features) The fall allergy season is upon us. And while the "Allergy and Cold Relief" aisle may not look different at first glance, there are significant changes for consumers to deal with. Any of the allergy or cold decongestant products still available on the shelves do not contain pseudoephedrine (PSE). Many have been reformulated to remove PSE and now contain phenylephrine (PE), which are labeled to be taken every four hours. The products that are missing from the shelf, including the long-lasting, 12 and 24 hour formulas, containing pseudoephedrine, are now in a new location, just a few steps away.

Federal legislation took effect on September 30, 2006 imposing a deadline on moving allergy and cold products containing the active ingredient pseudoephedrine (PSE) off store shelves and placing them behind the pharmacy or customer service counter. This legislation makes it harder to find longer lasting oral allergy and cold decongestants. Interestingly, many allergy and cold sufferers surveyed were unaware of the changes, both in the law and the on shelf product reformulations.

A nationwide survey conducted in August by StrategyOne, found that as the September 30, 2006 deadline approached, surprising numbers of consumers were unaware of the law and its effects - even though some states, retailers and pharmaceutical companies have been phasing in changes over the last two years:

• 38 percent of respondents were unaware that decongestant products containing PSE are sold behind the counter in some states and soon will be nationwide.
• Almost half of those who have purchased allergy and cold relief medication in the last year did not know that some have been reformulated to replace the ingredient PSE with the ingredient PE.

American Pharmacists Association past president and professor of pharmacy, Janet P. Engle, PharmD, explains differences between the medications reformulated with PE to stay on the shelves and the original PSE decongestant products now available upon request. According to Dr. Engle, "What many consumers don't realize is that some manufacturers have reformulated their medications to replace PSE in order to keep their products on shelf in the store aisle. The new formulas containing phenylephrine, or PE, are labeled to be taken every four hours to relieve nasal congestion. CLARITIN-DŽ, with pseudoephedrine, or PSE, is safe and effective for 12 and 24 hours."

Unfortunately, even with itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose, reading the box is essential. If it's on store shelves, a brand may look the same, but the active ingredients may have been reformulated. When looking for long-lasting 12 or 24 hour allergy congestion relief, simply ask for it at the pharmacy or service counter. Consumers shouldn't be confused by the fact that these products are now shelved behind a pharmacy counter, they can still purchase them without a prescription .

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