Zicam
Consumer Alert: Zicam Nasal Products Can Cause Serious Harm
If you have used Zicam as a nasal cold remedy, take note: this over-the-counter product could permanently destroy your sense of smell.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers to stop using three over-the-counter Zicam nasal products:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel;
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs;
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size.
Matrixx Initiatives, the maker of these Zicam nasal products, has voluntarily recalled them from the market. But the company’s action comes too late for consumers who have developed anosmia, or the loss of their sense of smell. The condition can be long-lasting – and in some cases permanent.
Zicam users who have experienced a loss of their sense of smell or other health issues should contact their doctor for an evaluation. You may also have a legal case against the manufacturer for the harm you’ve suffered. For a free consultation, contact Peterson & Associates, P.C. toll free at 877-DRUG-GIANT.
More than 130 Zicam users have reportedly lost the ability to smell, and many people lost this critical sense after using Zicam one time, while others suffered this side effect after multiple uses.
FDA officials have issued a strongly worded warning.
“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.”
Zicam users are robbed of a basic pleasure of life because they can no longer smell the everyday aromas of food or flowers. More importantly, they face a very real health risk because they can no longer detect hazardous substances in the air, such as gas fumes or smoke.
While Zicam has been sold for years as a cold remedy it was never tested by federal health officials for safety. The reason is simple: Zicam is a "homeopathic" remedy and that means it doesn’t have to be checked like other drugs to make sure it’s safe.
But that loophole doesn’t mean the product’s manufacturer can escape liability when consumers are harmed. We believe that makers of dangerous products need to be held accountable for the injuries they cause. If you’ve been hurt by a Zicam product, we can help you explore your legal options. Contact Peterson & Associates, P.C. toll free at 877-DRUG-GIANT for a free consultation.
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