Goodbye my beloved Zicam

LoraJ

<br> I need a vacation!<br><font color="blue">Want
Joined
Aug 17, 2004
Messages
10,231
I had read elsewhere that it would be pulled from store shelves. :( I have not had a long nasty cold in a long time, maybe it is in my head, but I think it's thanks to Zicam.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/16/zicam.fda.warning/index.html


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday warned consumers to stop using certain Zicam nasal cold remedy products, saying they can cause users to lose their sense of smell permanently.

The agency says that since 1999, it has received more than 130 reports of loss of smell associated with Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel; Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs; and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, kids size. The products have been linked to long-lasting or permanent loss of smell called anosmia. In some cases, the loss of smell occurred after the first dose.

"Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, 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." VideoWatch Dr. Sanjay Gupta report more on Zicam »

The popular homeopathic medications are sold over the counter and aimed at reducing the severity and duration of cold symptoms.

The FDA says consumers should stop using the products immediately. The agency has sent Matrixx Initiatives, which makes Zicam, a warning letter telling it the products can no longer be marketed without FDA approval.

A number of lawsuits have already been filed against Matrixx over the products. On its Web site, however, Matrixx says the allegations are "unfounded and misleading."

The company contends that "there is no known causal link between the use of Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and impairment of smell. No well-controlled scientific study has demonstrated a potential cause-and-effect relationship between the use of Zicam and diminished smell function. No court cases have revealed any reliable evidence of any causal relationship."

The FDA says consumers experiencing any loss of smell or taste after using nasal products that contain zinc should contact their physician.
 
I thought I heard this a few years ago. Guess it is confirmed now. I have avoided them and use the Zicam rapid melts.
 
I saw this on my morning news show. Sense of smell is important and I wouldn't want to risk it. I did use Zicam years ago but never continued due to not noticing a difference for me.
 
I have used zinc lozenges for years and I credit them with preventing me from having a cold in years too.
I never used the nasal products so I guess it will not mean that much to me.
 

Wow, I have sworn by zicam for the last few years. I really think it helps. The zinc lozenges give me an upset stomach.
 
I love my Zicam!! I always get sinus infections and these make it so much more tolerable.. so sad to hear the news!
 
I do use the rapid melts, and notice a really big difference in the length of a cold if I don't take them. My dd and dh, however, hate them, and prefer the nasal swabs. We usually bring some nasal swabs with us to use before and after getting on the plane when we travel. I guess I am going to have to either figure out a way to get them to take the rapid melts, or forget them altogether when we go to disney in August. Oh well.
 
We usually bring some nasal swabs with us to use before and after getting on the plane when we travel. I guess I am going to have to either figure out a way to get them to take the rapid melts, or forget them altogether when we go to disney in August. Oh well.

DD is a pharmacist and told me about the problem with the Zicam nasal gel several years ago, so I have been sticking with the rapid melts or the spray that spray inside your mouth. I agree, the oral stuff can bother your stomach - just be sure to have some food in your stomach before you use the Zicam.

I think that I have heard that you can put a small amount of antibacterial lotion or cream around the opening of your nostril in order to increase infection control when in enclosed places - like air travel. I'm going to have to do a search on this to see if I just dreamed that.

ETA: I wasn't dreaming! (At least THIS time. ;) ) Just did a search and came up this this video http://www.danpink.com/archives/2008/10/pinks-travel-tip-1-never-get-sick-again and it will give you a blow by blow demonstration about keeping yourself healthy in air travel by using antibacterial ointment in your nose. Hope that everyone stays healthy! :)
 
My FIL lost his sense of smell a couple years ago from using Zicam. It should also be noted he is OCD so he used it all the time.

I'll still use the throat spray or lozenges - that stuff works!
 
I have been swearing by Zicam gel for years, never had a problem, of course never abuse it, and have a supply I'll contine to use.
DH and I take faithfully when traveling and am thankful they'll still sell the chewables. :)
 

New Posts


Disney Vacation Planning. Free. Done for You.
Our Authorized Disney Vacation Planners are here to provide personalized, expert advice, answer every question, and uncover the best discounts. Let Dreams Unlimited Travel take care of all the details, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Start Your Disney Vacation
Disney EarMarked Producer






DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest DIS Tiktok DIS Twitter
Add as a preferred source on Google

Back
Top Bottom