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.”
