Zicam
Zicam users take note: Federal regulators are warning that this popular over-the-counter nasal cold remedy can permanently damage your sense of smell.
If you fear your use of Zicam nasal products has damaged your sense of smell, you should see a doctor. You may also have a legal case. For a free consultation, call the experienced Florida dangerous drugs legal team at Gordon & Doner, P.A. at 1-800-659-1159.
On June 16, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration ordered Zicam’s manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives Inc., to stop marketing three of its products, which contain zinc and claim to reduce the duration of common cold symptoms.
Scientists believe zinc may damage nerves in the nose needed for smell. Smell is a critical sense. Not only does it enhance our enjoyment of life, it also warns us of dangers, such as gas leaks or smoke.
The FDA warns against the use of three Zicam intranasal products: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. The FDA has received more than 130 reports of anosmia, or loss of smell, associated with the products. Some users stated that their loss of smell occurred with the very first dose.
These Zicam products were never subject to normal drug testing regimens because they are “homeopathic” products—thus, regulators were never able to determine if they were unsafe.
Marketing their drug as a homeopathic remedy may have allowed Zicam’s manufacturers to sidestep strict FDA regulations, but it doesn’t allow them to escape their legal obligation to sell a safe product. The company must be held accountable for the injuries its products have caused to innocent consumers.
If you’ve lost your sense of smell as a result of the use of Zicam, call the legal team at Gordon & Doner, P.A. at 1-800-659-1159 today, or contact us online for a free consultation.
