Zicam Loss of Smell and Taste:
On June 16, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public advisory urging consumers to discontinue use of the popular over-the-counter cold remedy Zicam. Use of Zicam Nasal Gel and Zicam Nasal Swabs products, may lead to permanent or long-lasting loss of the sense of smell and taste in some users. In addition, Matrixx Initiatives, the maker of Zicam, was told by the FDA that they must stop marketing the cold remedies and submit safety and effectiveness data for review if they intend to sell the products. Matrixx Initiatives has since issued a voluntary recall of the Zicam Cold Remedy products.
Products included in the recall are:
--Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
--Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
--Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)
Loss of smell and taste reported:
The FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell (anosmia) associated with the use of these three Zicam products. In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products. Some users have also reported a loss of taste after the use of Zicam Cold Remedy products.
Additional Information:
Zicam gel is delivered by a nasal spray or swab, which places zinc gluconate directly into the nasal cavity. It has been known that heavy use of zinc in areas of the nose could cause serious damage to the sense of smell. Zicam Cold Remedy nasal products can deliver toxic doses which damage the nose tissues, triggering the loss of smell and taste.
Anosmia is a condition where complete and permanent loss of smell and taste occur. Over 2 million people suffer from anosmia and there is no consistently successful treatment available to restore the smell and taste problems.
What should consumers do if they experience harm related to these products?
FDA recommends they contact their health care professional if they experience loss of sense of smell or other problems after using any zinc-containing products that are administered into the nose.
The agency asks health care professionals and consumers to report possible cases of loss of sense of smell or other problems after use of these products to FDA through the MedWatch program, either online or by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Zicam News Archive >>>
Read Zicam FDA Consumer Warning Letter >>>
Read Zicam Warning Letter to Matrixx Initiatives >>>
If you or a loved one have suffered loss of smell or taste as a result of Zicam Cold Remedy use you may be entitled to compensation. Our experience Zicam Attorneys can answer any questions you may have about the Zicam Recall, Zicam Side Effects, or a potential Zicam Lawsuit. Contact the Zicam Lawyer of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today for a free case evaluation.
