Since 1999, the Food and Drug Administration received over 130 reports associated with Zicam usage. Reports disclosed many people who experienced a loss of smell with the first dose, as well as others who reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the product.

Accordingly to the FDA Zicam contains zinc, an ingredient scientists say can damage nerves in the nose. Inevitably the severed nerves in the nose can lead to temporary or permanent anosmia, a condition where the patient loses his or her sense of smell.

"'Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms,'" said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). "'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.'" (FDA)

How does a product which can so severely affect a person’s quality of life make it to the market, without being rejected by the FDA? Zicam Cold Remedy is part of a small group of remedies that are not required to undergo federal review before release. This group is better known as homeopathic products, the formulation often contain herbs, minerals and flowers – which are not usually formally inspected by the FDA.

In a letter to Matrixx , The Food and Drug Administration asked to discontinue marketing their zinc-based product and submit safety and effectiveness data on the drug. Nevertheless, the product has not been recalled and remains on the market.

If you or your loved one experienced anosmia (damage to olfactory nerve, loss of the sense of smell) as a result of using Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs or Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs for kids, contact us for a free consultation.