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After years of controversy, the FDA has finally warned the American public to immediately stop using the following products:
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size
The reason for the alert is that such products may cause permanent loss of smell.
If you have any of these Zicam nasal products containing zinc in your house, please discard immediately.
By the way, the company maintains that these products are safe and do not cause loss of smell. That said, the company will no longer sell these nasal swabs or gels and will refund money to consumers who have purchased these products.
Oh yes...one other thing. In 2006 the manufacturer of Zicam (Matrixx Corp) paid $12 million in a legal settlement to roughly 300 people who were part of a class-action lawsuit against Zicam products.
We find it amazing that it took the FDA more than two years to take action. That said, we have new leadership at the agency. Dr. Margaret Hamburg, the new FDA Commissioner says, "We've been more aggressive in enforcement actions, where people's health is at risk."
I used Zicam many times over the years, but in January of 2005 I lost my sense of smell and taste. It has only come back minimally over the last 4 years. I have told everyone I know not to use this medication. I think that the time it took the FDA to respond, eliminated a lot of people, including me, to any recourse from the company.
I have used Zicam over the years and never had a problem. Was curious (and this hasn't been mentioned as far as I know) if people have been taking it as directed. Many people I know didn't read the instructions and SNORTED it up into their sinus cavity.
I was actually using the nasal swabs at the time this happened. I had also used it many times before without a problem, so I was not worried. I have to say, until after this happened, I had never heard of it. My husband saw a news report on it not long after and called me to watch. He was amazed, because it said it sounded just like me, the way she was describing it.
I used nasal swabs on several occasions with outstanding results. Nipped those colds right in the bud. I wish I had purchased a few more boxes before the ban. Bring them back, they work.
I can't believe that zicam is banned, it's a great product that works plus it's safe for those of us who have high b.p. or who are drug sensitive. I wonder if the big name drug companies are feeling a little intimidated. It doesn't need to be used very often so if some people lost their sense of smell etc., maybe it was from over use.