Zicam Nasal Spray Lawsuit – FDA Alerts Consumers About Loss of Smell

By: Tonie Kuechle Click author's name for more of his/her articles

On June 16, 2009, The FDA advised the public to stop using several Zicam cold remedy products due to the risk of a condition called Anosmia, which can result in the permanent loss of smell. Matrixx Initiatives has voluntarily withdrawn Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs®, and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel® from the market. The FDA warning also applies to Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs Kid Size®, although that product has been discontinued and should not be on the shelves in stores.

Zicam cold remedy products are manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., through its subsidiary Zicam LLC. These products are over-the-counter homeopathic medicines aimed at reducing cold symptoms.

What is the Big Deal about Smell Loss?

In 1979, The National Institute of Health started funding research centers to help better understand smell disorders. Today, over 2 million adults suffer from chemosensory disorders in the United States. The loss of smell is more serious than it would seem.
It is a dangerous condition as it limits one’s ability to detect harmful things in the environment such as natural gas leaks or fire. It can also lead to the loss of taste.

How Do I Know if I have this disorder?
A clinician will take a history from the patient and perform a physical examination, and can administer several different olfactory and taste tests. One popular test is a taste and spit test which uses various liquids that are salty, sweet, bitter, or sour flavors. Other tests include UPSIT tst or the Connecticut Chemosensory TEST. Some patients also undergo diagnostic testing with CT scans and MRIs.

What’s The Next Step?

People who have suffered smell loss side effects have filed lawsuits against the makers of Zicam. If you have experienced similar side effects, you should consult with an attorney to discuss whether or not you have a viable claim.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire A Lawyer?

Many lawyers take these cases on a contingency fee basis which means there are no legal fees unless a monetary recovery is made for the client.

If I Decide to Hire a Lawyer, How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

There is a limited period of time in which people are allowed to file lawsuits for Zicam Cold Remedy Products. This period of time is referred to as a statute of limitations (or time limits). If your smell loss claim is not filed before the statutory deadline, you may lose your right to bring a claim for compensation forever. Every state has different rules governing statute of limitations. For a full review of statute of limitations and deadlines, please contact a lawyer. This article should not be construed as legal or medical advice.