NEWS

FDA ISSUES ZICAM WARNING

On June 16, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning concerning the use of the over-the-counter cold remedy, Zicam. The warning states, "Reports of anosmia or loss of sense of smell associated with use of three zinc-containing intranasal Zicam products represent a strong and significant safety signal. Anosmia is a serious, disabling condition that may result in the permanent loss of one of the five senses, the sense of smell."

Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., the manufacturer of Zicam has issued a voluntary recall of two (2) of its products, ZICAM COLD REMEDY SWABS and ZICAM COLD REMEDY NASAL GEL. In a statement issued the same day as the FDA warning, Matrixx officials stated:

While Matrixx Initiatives believes that the FDA action today was unwarranted, it is voluntarily withdrawing Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel from the market. Based on the FDA’s recommendation, consumers should discard any unused product or contact Zicam at 1-877-942-2626 or visit www.zicam.com to request a refund.

It has been reported that Matrixx failed to notify U.S. regulators of 800 consumer complaints it received about side effects linked to recalled Zicam products.

Barr, Post & Associates, PLLC has experience litigating loss of smell related matters. If you believe you may have been injured by the use of Zicam, please contact our office for a free consultation.

For more information:
www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm166927.htm
www.zicam.com/messagetoconsumers