UPDATE: A Zicam recall is being conducted voluntarily by Matrixx, makers of Zicam Cold Remedy products.
FDA is warning consumers about certain Zicam products and a troubling potential side effect: loss of sense of smell.
According to the FDA warning, they have received over 130 reports of loss of smell from consumers who associated the side effect with the following products: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, and kids size Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs.
Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research stated:
“Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms… We are concerned that consumers may unknowingly use a product that could cause serious harm, and therefore we are advising them not to use these products for any reason.”
The FDA advises consumers to stop using these Zicam products immediately.
There has yet to be a scientific study to look at a real cause-and-effect relationship between permanent loss of smell and the use of Zicam Cold Remedy products, but consumers should speak with their doctor about alternative cold relief treatments until such a study is completed. In the meantime there is a Zicam recall in effect, which was initiated by makers of Zicam, Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. shortly after the FDA’s announcement.
If you have experienced any loss of smell or taste after using nasal products that contain zinc, contact your doctor immediately. You should also speak to a health professional, such as your doctor or pharmacist, if you have further questions about this Zicam recall.
Does the Zicam Recall affect other zicam products, like the cold and flu liquid, or is the recall just for the kind you put up your nose? Is it just the Zicam swabs, or also the gel / spray?
Hi
I am in possession of two unopened boxes of Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs which I am obviously not going to use. What can I do to get a refund against exchange of these boxes, I do not recall where I bought them.
There is no fear of any part of a class action. My smell is perfect and I just want to be reimbursed for a doubtful product.
Guido Zehnder
I have used these products for years for myself and most recently the nasal swabs. I have no issue with my sense of smell at all, and the product has helped me a lot when I’ve needed it. I have a box of the swabs that I will probably use myself. However, I will not give my children or husband any of these products whatsoever. I will also probably try and seek another product that offers comparable relief.
Heather Smith
I used the Zicam liquid so many times and was well within 2 days!! It is the ONLY thing I have used that makes me feel better and actually works. I heard it had been taken off the shelf. If not I can not find it anywhere!!! Please tell me where to get it
My granddaughter swears the swabs work very well, we are disappointed that they have removed them.
The Liquid cold and flu Zicam worked amazing too and they recalled that which is messed up. It was the only thing that has ever cut my colds in half