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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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FDA: Get Off Smell-Killing Zicam Nasal Spray, Now

Agency received over 130 reports of loss of smell sense

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(Newser) – The Food and Drug Administration is calling on consumers to stop using Zicam nasal treatments because they can permanently kill the sense of smell, the Wall Street Journal reports. Zicam is an over-the-counter cold and allergy medication sold in several forms; customers should reject internasal products that contain zinc. The initiative comes after the agency received more than 130 reports of loss of smell.

Shares of Matrixx, which makes Zicam, dropped 56% on the news; the company faces lawsuits. The FDA initiative doesn’t include Zicam tablets, “rapid melts,” and liquid products.

Matrixx is facing lawsuits over its Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel, the Wall Street Journal says.
Matrixx is facing lawsuits over its Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel, the Wall Street Journal says.   (Zicam.com)
The FDA is telling consumers to stop using Zicam nasal treatments because they can lead to a loss of sense of smell.
The FDA is telling consumers to stop using Zicam nasal treatments because they can lead to a loss of sense of smell.   (Shutterstock)
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8 comments
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skeptik
Jun 16, 09 2:14 PM CDT
Didn't Matrixx, the maker of the product, have to get FDA approval before putting this product on the market?? Reply
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Chilblain
Jun 16, 09 3:43 PM CDT
Oh yes and boy do we trust them.............
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+3
BeatBlaster
Jun 16, 09 2:52 PM CDT
The FDA is just now doing something about this? I discovered Zicam back in 03-04 and was told even then by my peers to avoid the nasal spray because of this very reason. I guess investigations cost money and they had better stuff to spend it on. Perhaps.... Reply
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+4
ethical_person
Jun 16, 09 3:27 PM CDT
I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. My husband and I have been using the nasal gel for 5 years, when necessary. My sense of smell is still very acute -- and the gel form is the only one that really seems to work in getting rid of colds, and it really does work. I heard about this supposed side effect a couple of years ago, but since it never has affected me or my spouse, we just keep using it. It's great! But, now the FDA doesn't like it, so I guess it's gone. Reply
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kokuaguy
Jun 16, 09 7:35 PM CDT
I've used it with no ill effects. These are only complaints. They didn't order it off the market... yet. Reply
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