Zicam is a branded group of common cold remedies produced, marketed and sold by Zicam, LLC, a subsidiary of Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Zicam contains zinc gluteonate, which according to the drug manufacturer, prevents the cold virus from binding to cells. The company markets both an oral and nasal administered version of its product.
Zicam FDA Warning and Constructive Recall
The FDA issued a Zicam warning on June 16, 2009. The FDA warned that Zicam can cause long-lasting or permanent loss of smell. The FDA warning came after the FDA received 130 reports by consumers Zicam side effects, including loss of smell or anosmia. The FDA public health advisory urged consumers to stop using Zicam, and issued a warning letter to Matrixx Initiatives telling the pharmaceutical corporation that its warnings were inadequate.
Because Zicam is an herbal supplement and not technically a drug, it does not require FDA approval. Until the FDA warning, most consumers did not understand that Zicam, as an over-the-counter supplement, was not FDA approved.
The three Zicam products the FDA warned consumers to stop using are the products that contain zinc that is placed in the nose, including:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size
Zicam pills are not part of the Zicam FDA warning.
Following the FDA warning, Matrixx Initiatives stopped selling the Zicam nasal administered products and are reimbursing consumers who return the products. In our view, the FDA warning and the recall by Matrixx is essentially a constructive recall of Zicam nasal products.
Zicam Side Effects Including Loss of Smell
The FDA linked Zicam to the occurrence of sudden onset anosmia, commonly known as a loss of smell. Those suffering from sudden onset anosmia can find food less appetizing and a decrease in taste. The most dangerous side effect of Zicam anosmia can be the inability to detect gas leaks, smoke, and spoiled food, which are all potentially dangerous situations. Anosmia can be particularly dangerous for children, who are less likely to report the condition to an adult.
Zicam loss of smell can occur even after the first use of the drug. The FDA expressed concern that this Zicam side effect could be permanent. The FDA recommends that anyone experiencing Zicam side effects such as onset anosmia contact a physician immediately.
Zicam Lawsuit and Lawyers
In 2006, Matrixx paid $12 million to settle 340 lawsuits from Zicam users who claimed that the product destroyed their sense of smell. Hundreds of similar Zicam lawsuits have been filed since the Zicam FDA warning.
If you or a loved one experienced Zicam side effects, such as anosmia or loss of smell, after using Zicam, you may be entitled to file a Zicam lawsuit seeking compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Contact our Zicam lawyers today for a free and confidential case evaluation by an experienced Zicam lawyer.
