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THE SIMPLE FACTSTM...Matrixx Initiatives markets Zicam, an intranasal cold remedy product containing zinc. However, these products have not been shown to be effective in alleviating cold symptoms and may have a potential and long lasting side effect- loss of smell (anosmia). People with anosmia may not be able to smell smoke, a gas leak, or spoiled food. In addition, anosmia may be associated with a loss of sense of taste (ageusia).
FDA ACTION
It appears - based on an FDA warning - that the following Zicam products - Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (discontinued product), may have a potential side effect and have all been associated with a long lasting or permanent loss of smell - anosmia. In addition, the FDA also lists all of the Zicam products NOT affected by the warning.
On June 16, 2009, the FDA (after review pf Zicam) issued a public health warning to consumers to stop using some of Matrixx Initiatives Zicam products. In particular, the FDA warned consumer's to stop using (essentially a recall) and discard the following Zicam intranasal zinc products - 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, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21) because of potential side effects and health concerns.
Apparently, the FDA has received and done a review of more than 130 side effect reports of anosmia - loss of smell - from people who have used the Zicam products. The reports vary, but people have reported a loss of smell after the first application and many have reported a loss of smell after multiple uses of the product.
In addition, the FDA has released a video - "Intranasal Zinc May Cause Loss of Smell" - to help everyone, including healthcare personnel, better understand what is happening with Zicam.
If you have used Zicam and experienced a loss of sense of smell or other problems, please contact your health care professional.
For more information on Zicam cold products and potential side effects, click here.
Quite frankly, the simple factsTMabout the problems associated with Matrixx Initiatives' Zicam intransal cold products are not acceptable.
We are investigating claims of anosmia (loss of smell) in connection with possible side effects and problems (short term or long term use) from the use of some Zicam products.
In addition, an MDL has been setup in the District of Arizona for Zicam Cold Remedy Marketing and Sales Practices Liability Litigation (IN RE: Zicam Marketing and Sales Practices Products Liability Litigation No. 2096).
We are here to help you protect your legal rights and the legal rights of your loved ones.
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