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Zicam® LawsuitsOur firm currently represents many individuals in their claims against the makers of Zicam® Cold Remedy. Zicam® has been associated with numerous cases of permanent loss of smell (Anosmia) and the decreased ability to smell (Hyposmia). The loss of smell greatly reduces the sense of taste and in some cases negates it completely. The loss of these senses is a serious and life-altering condition. In addition to not being able to taste food, patients with anosmia face other dangers as the sense of smell and taste alert people to hazards such as smoke, fires, toxic fumes, spoiled foods, leaking gas and many other potential dangers. |
Breaking News: Zicam® FDA Recall and Warning Information
On June 16, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent. The products are:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)
This action by the FDA followed years of complaints to the makers of Zicam, Matrixx Initiatives, which continued to market its product and maintain it was safe. Matrixx first marketed Zicam products in 1999, and in that very same year, the FDA began to receive reports of anosmia in people who used certain types of Zicam. Even though Matrixx Initiatives continued to receive reports of anosmia over the years, it continued to market Zicam, claiming it was safe to the public while at the same time paying millions to settle lawsuits brought against it for anosmia secondary to use of Zicam.
The full text of the FDA warning is available on our Zicam FDA Warning page.
What is Zicam® and what are its side effects?
Zicam Cold Remedy is an over-the-counter medicine that is marketed as a product for reducing the duration and severity of the common cold when taken at the first sign of cold symptoms. Zicam is a zinc-based, zinc gluconate, nasal cold gel that is directly applied into the nose to shorten the duration and minimize the symptoms associated with the common cold. Zicam Cold Remedy products include:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Oral Mist
Serious symptoms associated with the use of Zicam Cold Remedy include:
- Unbearable burning after using the nasal spray
- Loss of smell (no sense of smell) - total (Anosmia) or partial (Hyposmia)
- Loss of taste (no sense of taste)
At this time, the FDA warning only includes three of the Zicam products; however, the FDA has not stated that the reminder of the products are safe for use. Zicam is marketed as a homeopathic remedy and consequently does not undergo the rigorous testing applied to FDA approved drugs.
If you or someone you love is experiencing life-threatening side effects from the use of Zicam, please contact your doctor immediately for a full evaluation.
* For more extensive side effect information please read: Zicam Side Effects.
* For a complete list of marketed Zicam products please view the section: Zicam Products.
Zicam® Lawsuits
Manufacturers and companies that sell products have a duty to inform and warn their customers of known risks associated with the use of their products. While many drugs and medications have certain anticipated side effects, severe and life-altering side effects, such as the permanent loss of smell or taste, should not be present in over the counter drugs. For any Zicam user that has experienced a total loss of smell and taste, most would urge that the product shouldn't even be sold to consumers in an over the counter (OTC) format. If a manufacturer of a product fails to adequately warn its consumers or fails to make the product safe, then it can be held responsible to its consumers that have suffered from serious side effects. Legal actions for injuries are filed under a legal theory known as products liability. Our Zicam lawsuit lawyers are dedicated to holding Matrixx Initiatives accountable for its negligence in its handling of the Zicam anosmia tragedy.
Speak to a Lawyer
If you or a loved one has used Zicam Cold Remedy and has been diagnosed with anosmia, suffered the loss of smell or suffered the loss of taste, contact our law firm at once. It may be too late to recover from the debilitating effects of Zicam Cold Remedy, but an experienced product liability attorney can assist you in a legal action against the makers of Zicam. You are not alone. Join other anosmia victims in speaking up and fighting for their legal rights.
Please fill out our free legal evaluation form on the far right and we will call or e-mail you back within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that certain states have a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or seek legal action. Contact our law firm immediately so we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.
