Zicam Nasal Spray Under Scrutiny

Zicam nasal spray, which is made by Matrixx Initiatives, has received a warning from the FDA. According to wire reports, the FDA warning cites more than 120 consumers of Zicam nasal spray that have lost their sense of smell.

The two Zicam products that are under scrutiny are the Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and the Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs. Matrixx Initiatives say that they will remove the two products from the market, however they don’t agree with the FDA’s claim that their products can cause anosmia (the loss of smell).

Said Matrixx acting president William J. Hemelt: “Matrixx Initiatives stands behind the science of its products and its belief that there is no causal link between its Zicam Cold Remedy intranasal gel products and anosmia. It is well understood in the medical and scientific communities that the most common cause of anosmia is the common cold, which Zicam Cold Remedy intranasal gel products are taken to treat. Given the enormous number of doses sold and colds treated, there is no reason to believe the number of complaints of anosmia received is more than the number that would be expected in the general population. There is no reliable scientific evidence that Zicam causes anosmia.”

If you have Zicam Cold remedy Nasal Gel or Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, you should cease use and throw the products away. If you want to get a refund, you can go to Zicam.com or call the company at 1-877-942-2626.

After the release of this information, Matrixx Initiatives stock fell about 70% — from $19.24 to $5.78.

Check your nasal spray (Image: Flickr)