California Zicam Lawyers & Attorneys

Zicam Lawsuits & Class Action Suits

FDA says Zicam Nasal Gel Poses "Serious Risk" of Loss of Sense of Smell

California Zicam lawyers who specialize in in Zicam lawsuits and Zicam class action suits are concerned that the FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell (anosmia) associated with the use of three Zicam products sold as over-the-counter homeopathic cold and allergy remedies. These include Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product). The Zicam reports date back to 1999, when the manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives of Scottsdale, Arizona, first introduced the products.

In 2004, doctors at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Taste and Smell clinic documented the loss of smell among Zicam users. In 2006, Matrixx agreed to pay $12 million to settle 340 lawsuits brought by consumers who claimed the popular Zicam over-the-counter zinc nasal gel damaged or destroyed their sense of smell. There have also have been complaints about a similar product made by Cold-Eeze Cold Remedy nasal spray.

Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg, who was named FDA commissioner by President Obama, said the incidence of anosmia associated with Zicam "strikes us as a fairly large problem" and issued a consumer alert on June 16th, 2009. The FDA had advised consumers to stop using Zicam products because of "serious risk" of loss of sense of smell (anosmia) and added that some cases of anosmia occurred after only one dose.

While Matrixx has received over 800 reports of Zicam users who have lost their sense of smell, the company indicated that there is no causal link between Zicam intranasal gel products and the loss of smell, and it believes that the F.D.A. action is unwarranted. An FDA letter sent to Matrixx warned that Zicam Cold Remedy intranasal products "may pose a serious risk to consumers who use them" and are "misbranded."

Millions of bottles of Zicam have been sold with the promise that it could shorten the duration of a cold. Yet, in spite of widespread reports of potential problems with the medication, Matrixx refuses to warn users about the possible dangers of the Zicam drugs. The company claims the Zicam medications are "safe," yet they admit that they have not conducted any studies on the loss of smell.

Zicam's main ingredient, zinc gluconate, can cause a potentially permanent loss of the sense of smell. Dr. Bruce Jafek, a Colorado Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat specialist) has personally examined patients who reported the loss of smell after using Zicam Intranasal Zinc and noted that most patients had not experienced a return of function (sense of smell). Jafek noted that the problems of using zinc compounds in the nose are widely known, and that these ingredients have been used in animals (like rats) to destroy their sense of smell. Dr. Jafek examined the studies performed by Matrixx and admitted they simply do not address the safety question regarding Zicam.

Besides an inability to enjoy the taste food, anosmia is a dangerous condition, since the sense of smell can alert people to fires, poisonous fumes, and leaking gas. If you suspect you have lost your sense of smell and/or taste after using Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel or Swabs, stop using this product(s) and consult your doctor immediately for an evaluation. You should also contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in drug or pharmaceutical litigation for a free case consultation. Because the law limits the amount of time an injured person has to file a lawsuit, it is important you act promptly in order for a Zicam lawyer to investigate your case. You should save all receipts and accompanying paperwork that came with Zicam products and preserve the Zicam product container in your refrigerator for analysis.

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

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