Two Zicam nasal swab products - Cold Remedy Swabs, both Regular and Kids Size - were recently deemed by the U.S. <a href=”http://www.fda.gov/” rel=”nofollow”>Food and Drug Administration to pose serious risks to consumers. In a public health advisory warning issued on June 16, 2009, the FDA stated that both Swabs and Nasal Gel made by Zicam may cause a potentially permanent and debilitating condition known as anosmia.?

Anosmia and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs

Anosmia is essentially the loss of the sense of smell and the FDA said it has received over 130 reports of this condition in users of zinc-containing intranasal Zicam products, including the Nasal Swabs. In addition to the 130 cases of anosmia reported to the FDA, potentially hundreds more have been reported directly to the product manufacturer.?

Anosmia can, for example, affect a person’s ability to:

• Smell smoke, gas leaks and other dangers
• Smell spoiled food
• Work in the food industry

The loss of sense of smell can occur in children and adults who use Zicam Nasal Swabs, and many users said the side effect occurred with the first dose. However, it is possible for a person to suffer loss of smell after multiple uses. The FDA also said it had received reports of loss of taste.

Consumers who have the Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs by Zicam should stop use and discard them. Those who have experienced side effects such as loss of smell should seek medical attention and also file a report with the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Inadequate Warnings

Among numerous problems with the Swabs (as cited by the FDA) is that the product does not contain adequate warnings regarding the risk of loss of smell. According to the FDA, Zicam Nasal Swabs are marketed without the agency’s approval, mis-branded, and generally not recognized as safe and effective for treating the common cold.?

If you or your child has experienced the loss of smell after using Swabs by Zicam or other zinc-containing Zicam product, you may be eligible to take legal action against the product’s maker.? To learn more about your legal rights, contact a medical attorney, today. Attorneys offer free claim evaluations and can inform you as to whether you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.??