What Happened to Some of Your Favorite Cold, Sinus and Allergy Medicines?What Happened to Some of Your Favorite Cold, Sinus and Allergy Medicines?

About Cold, Sinus and Allergy Medicines

Why have some cold, sinus and allergy medicines that used to be found on store shelves been placed behind the pharmacy or service counter?

A variety of over-the-counter, non-prescription cold, allergy and sinus medicines containing pseudoephedrine that are used to treat nasal congestion have been placed behind the pharmacy or service counter. These products were placed behind the pharmacy or service counter to better ensure that these medications are not used inappropriately. To purchase these products, you will be required to show identification and sign a logbook.

What is the difference between cold, sinus and allergy medicines that are behind the counter and those that are in front of the counter?

Non-prescription cold, allergy and sinus medicines that are used to treat nasal congestion located behind the pharmacy or service counter contain a different active ingredient than oral nasal decongestant products that are located in the pharmacy aisle. If you have any questions about a product found in the aisle or behind the counter, be sure to talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.


Are behind the counter cold, sinus and allergy medicines for nasal congestion more effective than cold, sinus and allergy medicines found on the shelf?

When used as directed, both medicines on the shelf and behind the counter are effective options for people suffering from nasal congestion. If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Is there a special process to purchase behind the counter cold, sinus and allergy products?

You simply need to follow a few simple steps to purchase cold, allergy or sinus medicines that were placed behind the pharmacy or service counter , or “BTC”. To purchase the medicines, just visit the pharmacy or service counter, show photo identification, and sign a logbook. If you have questions, talk to your pharmacist.


Why are you required to show your identification and sign the logbook when purchasing medicines that are located behind the counter?

According to federal regulation, individuals are required to show identification and sign a logbook in order to purchase any non-prescription cold, allergy and sinus medicines containing pseudoephedrine that were placed behind the pharmacy or service counter. This process was put into place to better insure that these medications are not used inappropriately. If you have any questions about this process, including how your information is used, please talk to you local pharmacist.
What happened to some of your favorite allergy, cold and
sinus medicines?