California Zicam Lawyer Says FDA's "Serious Risk" Warning Prompts Removal of Zicam from Retail Shelves

Knowledgeable Zicam lawyers have noted the mounting evidence against Zicam made by Matrixx Initiatives of Scottsdale, Arizona. The company has told retailers, wholesalers and distributors nationwide that it is recalling its Zicam Cold Remedy nasal Gel and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs. Matrixx has stopped shipments of both products in bowing to a June 16, 2009 FDA warning letter. Matrixx is also asking retailers to post details on point-of-sale sites, informing consumers of the recall and asking them to return both products for a full refund.

130 Reported a Lost Sense of Smell, 340 People Filed Lawsuits

Informed Zicam lawyers say the FDA has collected over 130 reports of anosmia (loss of sense of smell) linked to Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product). The reports date back1999, when these products were initially introduced. In 2006, Matrixx settled 340 lawsuits for $12 million in to satisfy consumers who claimed the Zicam damaged or eliminated their sense of smell. Then, during a routine inspection of Matrixx, the FDA found 800 reports of consumer complaints about Zicam.

Zicam Products Pose "Fairly Large Problem," says FDA

In her consumer alert, FDA commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg said the incidence of anosmia linked to Zicam "strikes us as a fairly large problem." Informed zicam lawsuit attorneys, said that the FDA advised consumers to stop using Zicam products, noting that in some cases, anosmia occurred after only one dose. Those so injured are not only deprived of the ability to taste food, but can no longer detect smoke from fires, leaking gas and poisonous fumes.

FDA Action Unwarranted, says Matrixx

Matrixx disagreed with FDA's assertion that Zicam Cold Remedy intranasal products "may pose a serious risk to consumers who use them" and are "misbranded." The company indicated that there is no causal link between its intranasal gel products and loss of smell. Nonetheless, Matrix has decided to recall these products to cooperate with the FDA. The company is preparing a submission to the FDA and will present detailed scientific and medical data that, in its opinion, will prove its products are safe.

An experienced California zicam class action attorney noted that millions Zicam products have been sold, and although the recall may remove Zicam from many stores, Matrixx still maintains that these products are "safe." Given this, the company admits that it has not conducted any studies showing how Zicam products affect the sense of smell.

Zinc Compounds Used to Eliminate Sense of Smell in Rats

Zinc gluconate, the main ingredient in Zicam, has been used to effect a permanent loss of the sense of smell in animals. Colorado Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat specialist), Dr. Bruce Jafek noted that zinc compounds have been used to eliminate a rat's sense of smell. Moreover, after evaluating the studies performed by Matrixx, Dr. Jafek noted that they do not deal with the issues of safety in terms of sense of smell.

Users Urged to Act Promptly if They Suspect Loss of Sense of Smell

Concerned California zicam class action attorneys have urged consumers to stop using Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel or Swabs. They should consult their doctor immediately for an evaluation. In addition, consumers are also advised to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for a free case consultation. Those who suspect they have been injured by Zicam products are urged to act promptly to allow lawyers to investigate their case--the law places a specific time limit on lawsuit filings. Consumers should also save all Zicam receipts and accompanying paperwork and preserve the product container in a refrigerator if and when analysis is called for.

Call 800-561-4887 to request a free consultation and case evaluation with our Zicam lawyers & attorneys.

BISNAR | CHASE 2006-2010 Super Lawyers names outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. BISNAR | CHASE has received this award for five consecutive years. Brian Chase was named one of the 2010 Top 50 Orange County Lawyers.