Zicam Alert!!!

Last month, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warned about the possibility of losing sense of smell in association with Zicam nasal spray use.

Zicam products have been available for several years to treat the common cold. The nasal preparations contain zinc and are marketed as a cold remedies for topical use that may relieve and shorten the duration of symptoms of the common cold. Recommendations were to initiate use within the first 48 hours of cold symptoms (runny nose, nasal congestion etc.).

Three of the nineteen Zicam products are being withdrawn by the company. Other Zicam products (oral remedies) were not targeted.

The three Zicam cold remedies being withdrawn are: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Kid Size.

There have been more than 100 cases of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) reported to the FDA and several more hundred reports of decreased sense of smell fielded by Zicam makers.

Zicam is/was not an FDA approved medication. It is unrelated to prescribed nasal sprays commonly used for allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis.

If you have already used Zicam and have not had any side effects you are probably not at risk. Consult your doctor if you have previously used Zicam (especially on several occasions) and think you have a decreased or loss of your sense of smell. You may be able to get a refund or more information from the makers of Zicam (Matrixx Initiatives Inc.) by contacting Zicam at 1-877-942-2626 or visiting: http://www.zicam.com/products/ataglance.

Here is the FDA statement (plus info on how to dispose of Zicam you may still have): (Click Here)

Final Word:

In my setting (practice of Allergy and Immunology) the loss of smell signals the possibility of nasal polyps, a benign growth of highly inflamed nasal-sinus tissue. The point is, there are other possible causes of anosmia or decreased sense of smell (severe colds which cause marked intranasal swelling, sever sinus infections and severe allergic rhinitis). Adequate treatment of many of these disorders may bring back the sense of smell. So again, consult your doctor if you are concerned about your nasal health, and the medicines currently being used.