Given how much space is dedicated to them in the pharmacy aisles, it may surprise you to know that most over-the-counter cold medications don’t really work. Considering the amount of money we spend on these products every year — estimated at $2.9 billion in the U.S. — their status as a pharmaceutical mainstay in most medicine cabinets is both baffling and economically counterproductive. 

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There with you then. Here with you now. As a critical part of the community for over 245 years,The Gazette continues to deliver trusted English-language news and coverage on issues that matter. Subscribe now to receive:

Unlimited online access to our award-winning journalism including thought-provoking columns by Allison Hanes, Josh Freed and Bill Brownstein.

Opportunity to engage with our commenting community and learn from fellow readers in a moderated forum.

Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.

Montreal Gazette ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, where you can........

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