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FDA Issues Warning About Zicam Cold Remedy

Agency says products may deaden sense of smell

June 16, 2009

• Zicam Users File Class Action Lawsuits • Matrixx Failed to Give FDA 800 Zicam Complaints • Matrixx Initiatives Pulls Zicam Products • FDA Issues Warning About Zicam Cold Remedy --- • Consumer Complaints

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says consumers should stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell, a condition known as 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

The FDA said it has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of these three Zicam products. In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products.

"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 the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "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."

People who have experienced a loss of sense of smell or other problems after use of the affected Zicam products should contact their health care professional. The loss of sense of smell can adversely affect a person's quality of life, and can limit the ability to detect the smell of gas or smoke or other signs of danger in the environment.

The FDA has issued Matrixx Initiatives, maker of these Zicam products, a warning letter telling it that these products cannot be marketed without FDA approval.

Companies have an obligation to the public to demonstrate to the FDA that their products are safe, particularly when there is evidence they may be causing serious adverse events, and they are marketed for minor, self-limiting conditions like the common cold," said Deborah M. Autor, director of CDER's Office of Compliance.

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