Top in allergy/asthma: FDA proposal on oral phenylephrine; Medicaid barriers to care

Following an FDA review that found oral phenylephrine is ineffective in treating nasal congestion, the administration has proposed an order to remove the active ingredient from over-the-counter nasal decongestants.

The review pointed out that many over-the-counter products contain oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient, but the recommended dosages do not provide effective relief for nasal decongestion.

“Consumers should know that a range of safe and effective drugs and other treatments is available to temporarily relieve congestion symptoms due to allergies or a common cold,” Theresa Michelle, MD, director of the Office of Nonprescription Drug Products at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in an administration press release.

The FDA clarified that the review specifically pertains to oral phenylephrine and does not apply to phenylephrine used in nasal sprays. The proposal from the FDA review is available online for public comment.

It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.

In another top story, researchers found that only 55.5% of allergists from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System accepted Medicaid.

Read these and more top stories in allergy/asthma below:

FDA proposes removing oral phenylephrine from nasal decongestants

The FDA has proposed an order for the removal of oral phenylephrine as an active ingredient from over-the-counter monograph drug products for relieving nasal congestion, according to an administration press release. Read more.

Allergists not accepting Medicaid may be creating barriers to care

Finding an allergist that accepts Medicaid may be contributing to a lack of access to allergy-related health care, according to a study published in The American Journal of Managed Care. Read more.

Overcoming obstacles in training positions allergy PAs as valuable team members

As the patient demand for health care grows, so does the need for more physician assistants in medicine. However, a lack of formal training in allergy, limited resources, patient bias and improper utilization can hinder this effort. Read more.

Asthma outcomes improve with inhaled corticosteroids plus formoterol, SABA

Combined treatments were associated with reduced asthma exacerbations compared with short-acting beta agonists alone, based on a review presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more.

Chronic inducible urticaria improves in 12 weeks with barzolvolimab

Patients with chronic inducible urticaria saw improvements in itch and wheals with barzolvolimab in 12 weeks, according to an abstract presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more.