Missouri Injury Attorney Blog

Zicam, a popular over-the-counter nasal remedy used to decrease the duration of the common cold, has been linked to a loss of smell and taste, or anosmia. On June 16, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a serious warning to consumers to discontinue the use of three Zicam cold remedy products that are linked to anosmia. Those who believe they may have been suffered associated symptoms should check with their doctor and contact an attorney to seek what legal remedies may be available.

The products include:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)

The manufacturer of Zicam products, Matrixx Initiatives, failed to perform adequate testing on their product and have not provided sufficient warnings to users. As a result, hundreds have lost their sense of smell and taste.

Personal injury attorney, David Payne, is reviewing potential claims for those who have suffered a loss of smell or taste after using these Zicam products.

Contact David Payne anytime at 417.847.7516 for a free and confidential phone consultation.

“Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “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.”

Hundreds of Zicam users have already reported a loss of smell after taking the over-the-counter product. 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.

“Companies have an obligation to the public to demonstrate to the FDA that their products are safe, particularly when there is evidence they may be causing serious adverse events, and they are marketed for minor, self-limiting conditions like the common cold,” said Deborah M. Autor, director of CDER’s Office of Compliance.

If you or a loved one has experienced a loss of smell or taste and have taken the above Zicam products, contact personal injury attorney, David Payne, to discuss your options and legal rights.