Three Zicam products were recently identified by the U.S. <a href=”http://www.fda.gov/” rel=”nofollow”>Food and Drug Administration as posing a risk of anosmia, or loss of smell. This is a potentially debilitating condition, and the FDA is concerned that some cases of loss of smell may be permanent. According to an FDA warning issued on June 16, 2009, over 130 cases of loss of smell have been reported to the agency (hundreds more are suspected) - many of which occurred after the first dose with one of the following three Zicam intranasal products:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size

Each of these products is administered directly into the nasal cavity and contains a form of zinc as the active ingredient. The products are all marketed as reducing the symptoms associated with the common cold as well as their duration. This is not a claim supported by the FDA, however.

In fact, in a letter to the owner of Zicam products, the FDA noted that:?

• The risk of loss of smell was not adequately stated in the products’ warnings
• The products were misbranded
• The marketing of the products was done without FDA approval

The agency also noted that other widely-used intranasal cold products are more effective, carry a lower risk of loss of smell, and are marketed with FDA approval.

Have Zicam Caused You to Suffer Loss of Smell?

Both children and adults are at risk of suffering loss of smell with Zicam use, though children may be less likely to report it. Loss of smell can result in an inability to pick up on dangerous odors such as smoke, gas leaks, and rotten food. For those in the food industry, loss of smell can result in an inability to perform one’s work.

If you or your child has experienced a loss of smell after taking one of the zinc-containing Zicam products listed above, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible. You should also consider reporting the event to the FDA’s MedWatch program and talking to a Zicam lawyer.

Because Zicam did not adequately warn users regarding the risk of loss of smell with certain of its products, those who have suffered this side effect may be entitled to seek compensation in a legal action. Contact a medical attorney, today, to have your questions about Zicam and loss of smell answered in a free claim evaluation. ?