- Target:
- The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health and Aging
- Region:
- Australia
Phenylephrine tablets (commonly marketed as "PE" in cold and flu medication) are a drug sold as a nasal decongestant and as a treatment for cold and flu symptoms.
Studies trying to establish their effectiveness have failed, and a meta study (a study of studies) established that it's most likely they simply don't work.
Phenyelphrine was introduced as a replacement for pseudoephedrine which can be used to make illegal drugs.
While it is understandable the government wishes to regulate the availability of precursors, consumers should not be sold drugs which do not work as an alternative.
We the undersigned request a moratorium on the advertising and sale of phenylephrine tablets as a nasal decongestant until such time as scientific research can reveal they are of any clinical benefit.
We also request the Department of Health and Aging advise pharmacists that it is not appropriate to recommend "PE" medications for relief of cold and flu symptoms when they have been shown not to be more effective than a placebo.
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The Moratorium on Phenylephrine Tablets petition to The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Health and Aging was written by Geordie Guy and is in the category Consumer Affairs at GoPetition.