BBC doctor explains 'risk' and effect of popular over the counter cold medication facing US ban

Dr Oscar Duke has shone a light on the true effect of popular cold and flu medications, amid concerns they 'don't actually work'. The London-based medical professional spoke on BBC Morning Live about a particular component known as 'phenylephrine', which is widely used as a nasal decongestant.

However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just claimed that it does not work for its intended purpose when consumed orally, with the authority now considering a ban. Officials reached this conclusion after an extensive data review, putting the future of various over-the-counter drugs into question.

Last week, Patrizia Cavazzoni, MD, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), explained: "Based on our review of available data, and consistent with the advice of the advisory committee, we are taking this next step in the process to propose removing oral phenylephrine because it is not effective as a nasal decongestant."

READ MORE: NHS doctor says use apple juice if you contract nasty winter virus

READ MORE: Eating 1 food linked to 'slimmer waists' can boost weight loss, say scientists

So, what does this mean for the UK? Crucially, Dr Duke asserted that concerns are more about the efficacy of phenylephrine, while stating that our regulator -the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)- has not raised any new concerns about its risk.

On the BBC today, he explained: "So, we don't really know at the moment, I think we've often said that a lot of cold and flu remedies are kind of helping to mask things over whilst the virus burns its way out. Having plenty of fluid, really good nutritious food, maybe doing some steaming, honey and lemon - all of those kind of practical things that your grandma might have told you about were probably a good thing to do.

"Yes, things like paracetamol, and remember, lots of these cold and flu remedies do actually have other things in them as well as phenylephrine, and some of those things might help if you've got a headache, or if you've got pain, or a fever, then something like paracetamol is a really good option. So I think it's not anything to panic about, you may just find that it isn't actually making that much difference - that particular compound."

Aside from this, he also stressed that reviewed studies were primarily focused on taking phenylephrine-based drugs by mouth, while the impact of spraying directly into the nose is 'slightly different'.

In light of the FDA's claims, Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer also told Reach: "Patient safety is our top priority. All available data is carefully considered when authorising any medicine and we continue to closely monitor all medicines for safety and effectiveness following authorisation, to ensure the benefits outweigh any risks.

"There have been no new safety concerns identified with oral phenylephrine containing products and people can continue to use as directed. If you have any concerns about a medicine you are taking, please seek advice from a healthcare professional."