California Injury Blog
Most California Zicam lawyers are aware of the recent warnings issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has warned consumers against using three Zicam cold remedy products containing zinc, after receiving more than 130 reports of serious Zicam side effects, particularly loss of the sense of smell. According to the FDA alert, many users said they lost their sense of smell with the first dose of Zicam. Others said they lost their sense of smell after repeated use of the defective Zicam products. The three Zicam products that the FDA is warning consumers against are:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)
The FDA is saying that consumers who have been using or are about to use these over-the-counter Zicam cold medications must stop immediately because they are associated with a condition known as anosmia or loss of sense of smell. This condition, officials say, may be either long lasting or permanent. This type of pharmaceutical drug negligence can cause serious problems to anyone that uses these recalled Zicam products.
Loss of one’s sense of smell is a serious problem that can not only adversely affect a person’s quality of life, but it can also be a real danger because it limits a person’s ability to detect the smell of gas or smoke or other signs of danger in the environment. FDA officials have apparently issued Matrixx Initiatives, manufacturer of these defective Zicam products, a warning letter stating that these products cannot be marketed without FDA approval.
It is completely irresponsible on the part of Zicam to put defective pharmaceutical products out there before testing them properly and making sure that they would be safe for consumers to use. Drug companies such as Zicam have an obligation to consumers to make sure that their pharmaceutical products are safe. As consumers, we all understand that most, if not all, drugs have some type of side effect. However, if the adverse side effects of Zicam are such that it affects an individual’s quality of life or worse, turns out to be lethal, then it creates an extremely serious problem. Can you imagine not being able to smell the flowers in your garden or the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee? Losing one of your senses is a huge emotional and psychological blow, let alone a threat to your life!
If you or someone you love has suffered from anosmia or a loss of sense of smell as a result of taking zinc-containing Zicam cold remedies, please call the pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys at 1-866-310-5252. We will schedule a free consultation to discuss and evaluate your particular drug recall case and will also put you on a list to be updated about the Zicam warning as we get more information. You may also want to report your case to the FDA through their MedWatch program by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Our pharmaceutical liability attorney firm is determined to get justice and fight for the rights of victims who have suffered irreparable loss and personal injuries as a result of these defective Zicam products.