Zicam Lawyer
Motley Rice is reviewing cases involving individuals who have suffered the loss of taste and smell after using Zicam. Zicam is an over-the-counter nasal spray used to relieve the symptoms associated with the common cold and flu and is manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives. Matrixx manufactures a range of products under the Zicam name, but the name Zicam is generally used to refer to its over-the-counter nasal zinc solution spray.
Zicam Side Effects
The following side effect has been associated with the use of Zicam:
- loss of taste and smell, a condition called anosmia
Contact a Zicam Lawyer
If you or a loved one may have experienced anosmia in connection with Zicam use, contact Zicam lawyer John C. Duane by email or call +1 800.768.4026.
Zicam History and Potential Dangers
Zicam is an intranasal, zinc solution spray inserted directly into the nostrils. Manufacturer Matrixx Initiatives also produces the following products:
Zicam Allergy Relief Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs
Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief
Zicam Kids Size Cold Remedy Swab
Zicam Nasal Moisturizer
Zicam Sinus Relief
Zinc products fall under the FDA's homeopathic division and, therefore, do not require pre-market approval. In the late 1930s, zinc was used in Canada on 5,000 children during a polio outbreak. At that time, doctors were hopeful that the zinc would kill the polio virus as it entered the nasal cavity. The zinc spray, however, did not kill the polio virus. Rather, 25 percent of the children exposed to the nasal spray experienced varying degrees of taste and smell loss.
Some physicians have linked Zicam with a total loss of taste and smell, and some users have reported having had a burning sensation in their nasal cavities immediately after using the product that was then followed by a loss of taste and smell.
On Wednesday, April 7, 2010, the Honorable Frederick J. Martone of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona entered an order designating Motley Rice member attorney Fred Thompson as a member of the Zicam MDL Plaintiffs' Steering Committee in In re: Zicam cold remedy marketing, sales practices and products liability litigation. As a member of the Committee, Thompson will consult with other Committee members and be led by the Personal Injury Plaintiffs' Lead Counsel in coordinating all pretrial activities and in planning for trial and the potential resolution of these matters.
On June 16, 2009, the FDA issued a warning advising consumers to discontinue use and dispose of the Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. The warning was in response to more than 130 reports received by the FDA involving the loss of sense of smell associated with the use of these Zicam products, including permanent damage. The agency also sent a letter to manufacturer Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. that acknowledged more than 800 reports submitted to the company regarding the loss of sense of smell with Zicam Cold Remedy products and requested a response and corrective actions within 15 days.
In spite of reports and medical opinions regarding the nasal spray as being linked to anosmia, the manufacturer has not warned the public of the risks.
In January 2006, Matrixx agreed to pay $12 million to settle 340 lawsuits brought by consumers who claimed that Zicam Cold Remedy, the zinc nasal gel that is the company's flagship product, damaged or destroyed their sense of smell. The manufacturer denied that Zicam was responsible and blamed a virus.
On April 11, 2006, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an inquiry into the advertising and promotion of Zicam Cold Remedy and half a dozen similar over-the-counter cold products manufactured by Matrixx Initiative. The company disclosed the investigation in a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, saying it was designed to determine whether Matrixx engaged in "unfair or deceptive acts or practices."
