Zicam: Buyer Beware
By Jane Mundy
Zicam is an over-the-counter nasal spray remedy that purportedly shortens the duration of the common cold. However, some people have reported that, along with taking away the sniffles, it has also taken away their sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia. Although loss of smell may not seem like a serious medical concern, it can have severe detrimental effects. As well as finding food less appetizing, loss of smell could hinder the detection of gas leaks, smoke and fire, and spoiled food. As well, it can have serious psychological effects: anosmia is also linked to depression.
Zicam, manufactured by Matrixx, contains ionic zinc and experts believe that Zicam's high concentrations of zinc are toxic when sprayed directly into the nostrils, thereby causing destruction to scent receptors.
In a preliminary study (C.B. Hensley, PhD, and R. Davidson, PhD, unpublished data, 1999) almost half the subjects reported tingling and burning sensations after Zicam was sprayed into their nasal passages.
In a more thorough study at the University of Colorado Taste and Smell Clinic, tests were performed on patients who had used the Zicam nasal spray -- more than 60 percent suffered permanent loss of smell. It was determined that putting zinc ions into the nose was dangerous and doctors at the clinic recommended that the manufacturer issue a warning on the box stating the side effects - loss of smell.
Fast forward five years: In 2004, 7NEWS Investigators revealed that hundreds of people who used Zicam's zinc nasal spray lost their sense of smell and taste and Matrixx was slapped with a class action lawsuit.
Matrixx admitted that it did not conduct any studies on loss of smell. In fact, the company went so far as to denounce claims by consumers that their sense of smell had been compromised. In February 2004, it claimed that any reports alleging anosmia were "completely unfounded and misleading."
But maybe now, Matrixx will finally admit it has a problem with its product.
In January 2006, the corporation reached a $12 million settlement with 340 Arizona consumers who allegedly lost their sense of smell after using the nasal spray. The lawsuit stated that the use of intranasal zinc caused anosmia and hyposmia (partial loss of smell) and had been a medical fact for decades. (Zicam contains zinc gluconate, and the products are administered nasally. In the late 1930s, intranasal zinc solutions were used to prevent polio, but were not unsuccessful and in some reports, caused a loss of smell.)
Matrixx manufactures a long line of supposed cold remedies including Zicam Cold Remedy, Zicam Allergy Relief, Zicam Maximum Strength Flu, and more. Through its many products, Matrixx has reaped financial benefits. The revenue from their line of Zicam products increased 163% in the quarter ending September 30, 2003, totaling $13.4 million.
But that may all change. Increasingly, more people are becoming aware that this medication is linked to a loss of smell -- more complaints are being filed against Matrixx. Unfortunately for some, their sense of smell will never return.
Even though hundreds of people claim zinc gluconate has robbed them of their sense of smell, even after the huge settlement, Zicam continues to fill drug store shelves and Matrixx rings in more profits.
If you have suffered from Zicam, please report your case to the FDA. An attorney can discuss possible legal actions with you and determine whether you are entitled to compensation from the makers and distributors of Zicam.
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