Zicam Cold Medications Linked to Loss of Sense of Smell

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers on June 16, 2009 that a number of Zicam Cold Medications have been linked to loss of sense of smell. The loss of smell is called anosmia and in a number of cases it has been permanent. Since 1999, the FDA says that it has received more than 130 reports of loss of smell associated with Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel; Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs; and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, kids size. These 130 do not include the additional 800 cases reported directly to the manufacturer. It has been reported that in many cases that the loss of smell occurred after the first dosage.

Zicam nasal sprays and gels are zinc-based intranasal remedies. For many years it has been known that zinc-based remedies cause loss of sense of smell in humans and animals. These types of remedies are homeopathic and thus not required to be regulated by the FDA. This has led to the expansion of their use recently. It is debated whether these treatments are even effective in treating nasal congestion. Recent studies have shown that zinc-based products are minimally effective at best, with one study showing complete ineffectiveness.

The FDA suggests that consumers stop using the medications immediately and has notified Matrixx Initiatives that they are not to market the products without prior approval of the FDA. There have been a number of lawsuits filed against Matrixx regarding these products. The loss of sense of smell can adversely affect a person’s quality of life, and can limit the ability to detect the smell of gas or smoke or other signs of danger in the environment. If you or someone you know has lost their sense of smell after using this product please contact your healthcare professional immediately.

If you or a loved one has suffered the loss of smell due to the use of Zicam, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the lawyers at the Law Offices of d'Oliveira & Associates for a free case evaluation.

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