ZICAM: COLD REMEDY LINKED TO ANOSMIA (THE LOSS OF SENSE OF SMELL)

Zicam is the name of a group of allergy and cold remedies marketed for children and adults to aid in symptoms of the common cold and some allergies. On June 16 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advised consumers to stop using three Zicam intranasal products stating that they were associated with a high risk for the loss of the sense of smell, known as anosmia. Eight days later Matrixx Inititatives, the maker of Zicam, recalled the dangerous products. The three Zicam products the FDA warned against were: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (which were discontinued prior to the alert). If you or a loved one has had smell loss-related side effects after Zicam use, call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak to a Zicam lawyer at no cost.

ZICAM SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS – ANOSMIA (LOSS OF SMELL):

Zicam gels and swabs can cause the loss of one’s sense of smell after just one use. Anosmia, or the loss of one’s sense of smell, is a potentially deadly and debilitating affliction. Anosmia can be permanent or temporary, but it can be hazardous in just a single episode. Not being able to smell smoke, dangerous chemicals, gasoline, natural gas or other fuels can put an anosmic person in a life-threatening situation. This inability to detect danger can happen during even a temporary bout of anosmia.

Additionally the loss of sense of smell is accompanied by the loss of the sense of taste. Without two of the five senses, one’s quality of life severely diminishes. Lacking the sense of smell the sense of taste, anosmia victims can have weight issues including loss of appetite, weight gain or weight loss. Such weight problems can become severe and unhealthy with permanent anosmia.

ZICAM PURPOSE AND USE:

Zicam is used to treat colds and allergies. Zicam products are available over-the-counter, without a prescription. The Zicam products-line has been considered a “homoepathic remedy” and therefore not subjected to formal FDA approval and regulation like other non-homeopathic-labeled medications and remedies. Zicam products, gels and swabs are used intranasally (in the nose) and contain zinc. Zinc has been associated with damaging the olfactory nerves in the nose, causing permanent or temporary loss of smell. Following is a list of all Zicam products, with the intranasal products under recall listed first:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20)

*** The products listed below have not been recalled.***

• Allergy Relief Nasal Gel
• Allergy Relief Gel Swabs
• Cold Remedy Rapid Melts
• Cold Remedy Oral mist
• Cold Remedy Chewables
• Cold Remedy Chew Caps
• Cold Sore Gel Swabs
• Extreme Congestion Relief Nasal Gel
• Healthy Z-ssentials
• Intense Sinus Relief Nasal Gel MAX Cough Spray
• MAX Cough Melts
• Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu Liquid
• Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu Liquid - Nighttime
• Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu To Go - Daytime
• Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu To Go – Nighttime

ZICAM NOW: LITIGATION, WARNING AND RECALL

On June 16, the U.S. FDA announced that they were advising consumers to stop usage of Zicam Cold Remedy intranasal gels and swabs immediately. It took more than a week for Matrixx to pull the Zicam items in question from the shelves. Since 1999, the FDA received reports from doctors and consumers that about 130 Zicam users had lost their smell after Zicam use, prompting the warning. Matrixx had received an additional 800 complains from Zicam users for anosmia but did not release that information to the FDA. Back in 2006, Matrixx, the manufacturers of Zicam, paid out more than $12 million as settlements to Zicam product users who had lost their sense of smell. Now hundreds, and maybe even thousands, more lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Zicam by victims who have lost their sense of smell.

If you or a family member has suffered adverse side effects including smell loss from Zicam usage in California, contact an experienced pharmaceutical Law Firm now. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have more than 50 years combined legal experience and have collected more than $150 million for clients in need. Please call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation, or visit our website at www.alawpro.com to learn more about us. We are here for you now.