P&G, McNeil Hit With Decongestant Suit After FDA Panel Warning

Procter & Gamble Co. and J&J unit McNeil Consumer Healthcare were hit with a proposed class suit over decongestant products containing phenylephrine, following an Food and Drug Administration advisory panel’s determination that the ingredient isn’t effective.

P&G deceptively marketed “DayQuil Severe” and “NyQuil Severe Cold & Flu,” and McNeil misled consumers into thinking “Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe” would ease stuffy noses, Kristin DePaola alleges in a suit in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

A unanimous FDA panel said Tuesday that phenylephrine—PE—doesn’t work for treating nasal congestion. The complaint, filed the same day, references the ...