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Zicam Nasal Products Linked to Loss of Smell

On June 16, 2009, the FDA issued an alert to all consumers and anyone in the healthcare industry to discontinue using any of three Zicam cold remedy nasal products because of reports that it resulted in a loss of smell. 

Since the products hit the market in 1999, the FDA has seen reports come in from over 130 people who suffered from a loss of smell which is called anosmia as a result of using three different Zicam zinc based nasal products. This condition can be temporary, long lasting and even turn in to a permanent loss.

The products that have responsible for the loss of smell as a result of using them are Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. These products have been sold over-the-counter to help reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold.

Matrixx Initiatives is the manufacturer of the zinc based Zicam nasal products. These products are sold in most retail stores and pharmacies as well as on the internet. The Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size have already been discontinued but the FDA is worried about the products that may still be in the homes of consumers.

Of the people who experienced a loss of smell after using these Zicam products, some suffered a loss of smell after just one use. Others experienced the anosmia after using the product several times throughout the duration of their cold.

While the loss of the sense of smell may sound insignificant compared to major health issues, it is a grave condition that creates serious problems. The loss of smell prevents you from recognizing odors that could be dangerous to you, such as a gas leak, smoke from a fire and even food that has spoiled.

Besides the danger involved in any of these situations, the loss of smell can affect the quality of your life. When you lose your sense of smell you aren't able to enjoy or taste food and you can't smell pleasant aromas like perfumes and colognes.

The products that have been reported as being responsible for these side effects are: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10), Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20) and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kid Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21). It does not include any of the zinc tablets or lozenges that are taken orally.

The FDA has issued a warning to consumers to refrain from using any of these products and to discard them from their homes. It also notified Matrixx Initiatives that they could no longer produce these products without the approval of the FDA.

If you have used any of the three Zicam nasal products listed above and experienced a loss of smell either temporary or permanent, contact our experienced legal team at Napoli Bern Ripka. We have been helping people receive compensation from the side effects of FDA approved drugs as well as recalled over-the-counter medications.

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