Zicam Associated with Loss of Smell and Taste
Zicam is a patented, over-the counter homeopathic cold remedy marketed and promoted to be a safe and effective means of ameliorating the duration and severity of symptoms of the common cold. Zicam products include Zicam Allergy Relief Nasal Gel, Zicam cold Remedy Nasal Gel, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs. Zicam’s active ingredient is a zinc salt known as zinc gluconate which is delivered to the nasal membranes of consumers by a spray or swab. Zicam is not a “drug” under federal law, and has never been approved by the FDA for safety and efficacy.
In June 2009, the FDA issued a public health advisory warning consumers to stop using and to discard all products containing intranasal zinc substances such as Zicam. The FDA reported 130 cases of anosmia (the loss of one’s sense of smell and taste) associated with the use of such products. Although clinical studies and investigations dating back to the 1930s have shown that applying zinc substances to the olfactory epithelium is toxic and can produce permanent anosmia, such warnings were never provided to the public. Instead, Zicam was promoted to be safe for use in children over the age of three years and a “doctor recommended” “homeopathic” remedy.If you or a loved one have used Zicam and experienced a loss of smell and/or taste, it is important that you contact an attorney who can evaluate and protect your potential legal claim. For more information, please contact attorneys Tony Nemo or Andrew Davick at 1-800-845-1021. We look forward to hearing your story, and answering any questions you may have.