Zicam Side Effects Attorneys

Zicam Cold Medication Side Effects

Several lawsuits have been filed against Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., the developers, distributors and manufacturers of Zicam, alleging the nasal gel caused users to sustain permanent loss of their smell (anosmia) and taste, some after a single application of the product. The problem is that Zicam contains zinc gluconate, which has been linked to olfactory nerve damage when applied through the nose.

Zicam is marketed as an over-the-counter homeopathic cold remedy that reduces the severity and duration of common cold symptoms. The manufacturers of Zicam insist the medication cures the common cold three times faster than other cold remedies. Zicam is available in various forms, including a no-drip liquid nasal gel, chewable tablets and an oral mist.

According to lawsuits filed by Zicam users, it has been known for decades that the use of intranasal zinc causes anosmia and hyposmia (partial loss of smell). Zicam contains zinc gluconate, and the products are administered nasally. In the late 1930s, intranasal zinc solutions were used to prevent polio, but proved unsuccessful and in some instances caused loss of smell. Despite this seemingly obvious problem, Zicam and other cold remedies containing soluble zinc are not tested by the FDA for safety and efficacy. Consumer complaints about Zicam regarding zinc gluconate induced loss of smell began as early as February 2004.

Zicam has enjoyed great popularity since it first hit the market in 1999. Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., the company that manufactures, markets and sells Zicam, has also enjoyed financial benefits of the drug's success. The revenue from their line of Zicam products increased 163% in the quarter ending September 30, 2003, totaling $13.4 million. While Zicam makes it's drug manufacturer an enormous amount of money, Zicam users are suffering from a condition known as anosmia, or total loss of smell.

Zicam's makers acted irresponsibly by ignoring previous evidence that intranasal zinc causes anosmia, and marketed Zicam without sufficient warning about the possibility for this side effect when using this remedy. Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. has earlier admitted to not performing a sufficient amount of testing prior to the release of the drug nor did the company provide any warnings on the Zicam drug bottle or on any packaging that would draw significant attention or properly inform the user of the potential side effect. The resulting lost sense of smell has severely inhibited the lives of some users and placed them in unnecessary danger.

If you or a loved one has used intranasal zinc products such as Zicam, and have suffered negative effects, contact the Zicam experts at the Law Offices of Nadrich & Cohen. For more information on Zicam and your legal rights, please contact us today.

Click here for more information on the health risks associated with cold remedies, such as Zicam.