Zicam
Zicam and Serious Injury Risks
Zinc nasal sprays, gels, and swabs have been linked to a loss of the sense of smell. Both Zicam and Cold-Eeze have discontinued certain varieties of intranasal zinc cold remedies due to this serious injury risk.
What Is Zicam? How Does Zicam Work?
Zicam is a brand name over-the-counter cold remedy and allergy treatment made by Matrixx Initiatives. Zicam products work by using low doses of zinc, specifically in the form of zinc gluconate, to fight against the common cold and upper respiratory allergies.
Some research suggests that zinc decreases the effectiveness of rhinovirus, the virus most often responsible for common colds. Other research has shown that zinc relieves the symptoms of hay fever and other related allergies.
How Can Zicam and Zinc Nasal Sprays Lead to Injury?
While zinc may prove somewhat effective against colds and allergies, it’s the application of some forms of Zicam that can cause injury. When Zicam and other zinc treatments come in the form of a nasal spray, nasal gel, or nasal swabs, the sinuses may become damaged. Research as far back as the 1930s has shown that applying zinc directly to the sinuses can affect the sense of smell, leading to a temporary or permanent loss of smell, a condition known as anosmia.
What Are Some Symptoms of Zicam Injuries?
- Burning sensation when applying zinc sprays, gels, or swabs
- Temporary loss of sense of smell or taste
- Permanent loss of sense of smell or taste
What Types of Zicam Have Been Recalled?
In June 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted consumers to immediately stop using the following Zicam products:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size
It’s important to note that Zicam injuries have not been connected to oral doses of the product. As far as research has shown, zinc lozenges and other oral zinc treatments do not lead to anosmia.
In a related note, Quiqley Corp. ceased production of Cold-Eeze zinc nasal spray in late 2004 following a television news report that consumers lost their sense of smell after experiencing a burning sensation while using Cold-Eeze nasal sprays.
What Do I Do If I’ve Been Injured by Zicam?
To some, loss of sense of smell may not sound like a serious injury. But consider the risks – losing your sense of smell can mean the failure to detect a life-threatening situation such as a burning fire or gas leak. That’s why it’s important to act fast if you’ve been injured by Zicam or any other intranasal zinc treatment.
When you contact our law firm with a drug injury claim, our attorneys and legal staff get to work on your case right away. We’ve been representing the injured residents of Pennsylvania and beyond for over 30 years. If you’ve been hurt by Zicam zinc nasal spray, contact our law firm today by taking advantage of our free legal evaluation.
