CVS is voluntarily removing over-the-counter cough and cold products from its shelves after a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel confirmed the active ingredients of America's leading decongestive "medicines" do not work.

Millions who consume Dayquil, Sudafed, and other medications stocked on store shelves while looking for relief from a stuffy nose might as well be taking dummy pills, according to government experts who reviewed the latest research on the long-questioned drug ingredients.

Last month, 16 members of the FDA's Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee unanimously voted against the effectiveness of oral phenylephrine, the key ingredient contained in Sudafed, Mucinex, Allegra, Dayquill and all the highest-selling decongestants included on a federal list of medicines deemed effective for over-the-counter pills and liquids.

Phenylephrine is also found in Tylenol for Cold and Flu Severe Day & Night.