FDA Warns Consumers of Zicam Nasal Remedies Risks

Zicam Nasal Remedies Cause Permanent or Long Lasting Loss of Smell

On June 16, 2009, the FDA warned consumers that Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Kid Size, a discontinued product that consumers may still have in their homes, have all been associated with long lasting or permanent loss of smell (referred to as anosmia).  Zicam Nasal Cold Remedies are marketed by Matrixx Initiatives and were initially introduced to the market in 1999.

FDA notified consumers and healthcare providers to discontinue use of the Zicam products sold over-the-counter as cold remedies because the are associated with the loss of sense of smell.  FDA recommends that consumers stop using these products and throw them away.  Because Zicam Cold Remedies are homeopathic treatments, the FDA is limited in its capacity to regulate it, making a forced Zicam recall unlikely.  In lieu of a Zicam recall, the three Zicam Nasal Cold Remedies have been discontinued. 

The FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of the 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.  Read more.

Loss of Sense of Smell

Loss of the sense of smell may cause serious problems, such as failing to smell smoke, a gas leak, or other signs of danger in the environment.  Also, loss of the sense of smell is often linked with a loss of the sense of taste.  People who cannot taste could unintentionally eat spoiled food and not appreciate flavors, and lose much of the pleasure of eating.  The loss of the sense of smell can adversely affect a person's quality of life.

FDA recommends that consumers contact their healthcare provider if they experience loss of the sense of smell or taste, or experience other problems after using Zicam Nasal Gels, Zicam Nasal Swabs or any zinc-containing nasal products.

Nationwide Zicam Lawsuits

If you or a loved one suffered loss of sense of smell after using Zicam Products, you may be entitled to financial compensation.  Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this page and an attorney will contact you to discuss your claim.  Or you can call the Allen Law Firm today for a free case evaluation at 1-888-345-LAW1. 

The attorneys at the Allen Law Firm are evaluating claims on behalf of individuals throughout the United States who have used Zicam Products and suffered long lasting or permanent loss of smell. 

The initial consultation is free of charge.  In personal injury cases where individuals have been injured by potentially defective products like Zicam Products, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and investigate the the injury.  Further, you must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.  If you delay filing your claim, and the statute of limitations expires, you may lose your rights to compensation.