For those that may have missed the ‘consumers alert’ this past summer regarding Zicam cold remedies, this is a follow up since we are now in the midst of the cold/flu season.
FDA issued a warning this year for consumers NOT to use Zicam Cold Remedies. The Intranasal Zinc products are linked to a loss of sense of smell.
The 3 products are:
–Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
–Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
–Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)
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.
Janet Woodcock, M.D. and Director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said, “Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms.” “We are concerned that consumers may unknowingly use a product that could cause serious harm, and therefore we are advising them not to use these products for any reason.”
If anyone has experienced a loss of sense of smell or other problems after using the Zicam products. they should contact their health care professional. The loss of sense of smell can adversely affect a person’s quality of life, and can limit the ability to detect the smell of gas or smoke or other signs of danger in the environment.
The FDA has issued Matrixx Initiatives, maker of these Zicam products, a warning letter telling it that these products cannot be marketed without FDA approval.
See: www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm167065.htm
