FDA Warns About Zicam Defect

FDA Advises Consumers Not To Use Certain Zicam Cold Remedies
Intranasal Zinc Product Linked to Loss of Sense of Smell

June 17, 2009: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent and may occur after only one application.

Zicam lawyers at Fonvielle Lewis Foote & Messer are reviewing potential claims for those who have suffered permanent injury.

The Zicam products include:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product).

Additional Zicam products include:

• Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief
• Zicam Allergy Relief Nasal Gel
• Zicam Sinus Relief
• Zicam Nasal Moisturizer

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

The common element used in Zicam is zinc. Zinc is used throughout the world in a variety of products but in some applications it can cause a condition known as Anosmia. Anosmia causes a loss of smell and a commensurate reduction of the sense of taste. Loss of the sense of smell can be dangerous because victims are no longer able to detect hazardous smells such as chemical fumes, natural gas or propane leak or smoke from fires. Persons suffering anosmia should contact their doctor immediately.

Zicam News and Information

FDA News Release: FDA Advises Consumers Not To Use Certain Zicam Cold Remedies - Intranasal Zinc Product Linked to Loss of Sense of Smell

CNNhealth.com: FDA warns against using 3 popular Zicam cold meds

FDA Drug Safety Information: Information on Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size

© 2009 Fonvielle Lewis Foote & Messer