As this winter’s cold season arrives, consumers should be particularly aware of the potentially serious side effects of cold medications that contain phenylpropanolamine (PPA).

A 2000 Yale University School of Medicine study showed that PPAs lead to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, particularly in young women. The Food and Drug Administration has issued PPA public-health advisories and asked manufacturers to discontinue using them in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cough and cold medications as a decongestant, and in OTC weight-loss products. A pharmacist can recommend remedies that do not contain PPA to cold sufferers.

Anyone suspecting that they or a relative has been harmed by PPA should consult an attorney.