Zicam Associated With Loss of Smell

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell (anosmia) associated with the use of Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued pharmaceutical product).

Problems with Zicam over-the-counter zinc nasal gels date back to 1999, when the manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives of Scottsdale, Arizona, first introduced the drug. In 2004, doctors at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Taste and Smell clinic documented the loss of smell among Zicam users. In 2006, Matrixx paid $12 million to settle 340 pharmaceutical negligence lawsuits brought by consumers who claimed Zicam nasal gels damaged or destroyed their sense of smell. Virtually every Zicam pharmaceutical negligence attorney will agree that when you have this many complaints, consumers should definitely follow FDA warnings and immediately stop using the drugs.

Saying that Zicam "strikes us as a fairly large problem," FDA commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg issued a consumer alert on June 16th, 2009. The alert advised consumers to stop using Zicam gel products due to a "serious risk" of anosmia, which in some cases occurred only after a single dose.

The problem with Zicam lies in its main ingredient, zinc gluconate, which can potentially cause permanent anosmia. Dr. Bruce Jafek, a Colorado Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat specialist) has personally examined patients who reported losing their sense smell after using Zicam Intranasal Zinc. He noted that in most patients, the anosmia was permanent. Jafek also noted that zinc compounds have been used in animals (such as rats) to destroy their sense of smell.

Zicam pharmaceutical litigation lawyers know that anosmia can present all sorts of problems. Aside from not being able to smell flowers or morning coffee, anosmia sufferers can't smell fires, poisonous fumes or leaking gas.

If you suspect you have lost your sense of smell and/or taste after using any drug, stop using the product(s) and immediately consult your doctor. You should also save all receipts and accompanying paperwork that came with your pharmaceuticals and preserve the product container in your refrigerator for analysis.

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