On the heels of yesterday’s news that the FDA had issued a public warning to stop using Zicam, the company responsible for the product line’s presence on the market, Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., has responded. Today, the company announced that it was voluntarily recalling all products named in the original warning letter drafted and released by the FDA until the matter is resolved.
Zicam came under fire because the FDA had received at least 130 reports of consumers using the products in question and subsequently losing their sense of smell, which is known in the medical world as anosmia. To date, no duration of this condition has yet been defined by medical officials, although consumers have complained that they were not able to smell for several months at a time.
There were three products specifically mentioned as being linked to the development of this side effect:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10)
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20)
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21)
Officials believe that the problem is with one of the ingredients in these products, that being zinc. Zinc has been known to attack the nerves in the nasal passages in the past and create this problem for those who were exposed to it.
The FDA stated that it is possible for these products to find their way back onto the market, but only if they go through the typical FDA approval process like any other medication. Zicam did not have to complete this process when the products were originally released because they were classified as ‘homeopathic,’ thereby circumventing the FDA before being sold on an over-the-counter basis around the United States.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of using these products, contact the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Wed, Jun 17, 2009
Injury News, Personal Injury