When cold and flu season begins, many people flock to the nearest pharmacy to buy something to relieve their symptoms. However, an analysis and report from Bloomberg News may cause many consumers to rethink which bottle of cold medicine they reach for.
Researchers commissioned by the news agency found that the store brands of Mucinex available at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Target contain a cancer-causing chemical called benzene.
Why is benzene used?
Benzene is used in many consumer products, including paint thinner, gasoline, glue, cleaning products, and more. However, benzene is also produced naturally during wildfires or volcanic eruptions, as well as from cigarette smoke.
As for these common cold remedies, the report found that Amneal Pharmaceuticals – the company that all four retailers contract to procure these drugs – uses benzene as a solvent to dissolve all the other ingredients in the drug.
The branded product Mucinex does not use benzene. Instead, pharmaceutical manufacturers have used carbomer, a powder that works in the same way as benzene and is often found in cosmetic products or other medications. However, carbomer is slightly more expensive than benzene, which may be why store brands have resorted to using this chemical.
The FDA is cracking down
In December 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released guidelines to reform drugs containing benzene.
Because manufacturers use benzene as a solvent, the agency has learned that many companies are using amounts that are unsafe for consumers. The updated policy requires manufacturers to reformulate their drugs, subject them to new testing guidelines and resubmit the results to FDA.
According to a statement from Amneal Pharmaceuticals to the New York Post, the company claims that the drugs in question meet all FDA guidelines. However, Amneal is also currently in the process of reformulating the drugs and resubmitting them to the FDA in hopes of meeting the FDA’s August 2025 deadline.
What health risks exist?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to benzene can affect the body at the cellular level. While the risks ultimately depend on a number of factors, including the person’s age, pre-existing health conditions, and the amount and duration of exposure, the health risks are significant.
“Benzene causes cells to stop functioning properly,” the agency explained. “For example, it can cause the bone marrow to not produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. It can also damage the immune system by changing antibody levels in the blood and causing the loss of white blood cells.”
The biggest long-term health risks of benzene exposure are a higher risk of cancer, particularly leukemia and lymphoma. However, it can also cause reproductive problems in women and increase the risk of blood and immune system disorders.
