FDA Cites Over 130 Confirmed Cases Of Anosmia
In June of 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially warned Matrixx Initiatives, the company that produces and markets the popular brand of cold and flu remedies, that three of their products had been directly linked to anosmia, or a disappearing sense of smell, in many consumers. This letter eventually led to a voluntary Zicam recall. In the document, the FDA outlined how over 130 victims had come forward to complain that they had experienced at least low-level, temporary symptoms. The letter was intended to halt production of the potentially dangerous over-the-counter remedies, as well as give them a chance to start the Zicam recall.
The letter of warning went on to say that recent reputable scientific research implicated zinc gluconate as the culprit. Many published studies from several different schools and institutions have shown that applying the cold remedy ingredient to nasal tissues can cause almost immediate damage. When the tissue eventually regenerates itself, it is almost like scar tissue, thicker and less sensitive than it was before. This reduces olfactory function to a large degree, in some cases completely and permanently. The manufacturer voluntarily recalled all three of the following products immediately after receiving the letter.
Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10) Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20) Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21)
The company decided to initiate the recall on their own, even though they maintained that their products were, and always have been, safe for public consumption. Indeed, they felt that their remedies were helpful to the public, claiming that they reduced the severity and length of symptoms associated with common viral infections, such as the common cold and flu.
On the other hand, marketers of the products lost one lawsuit before the Zicam recall even began in 2009. In 2006, they were ordered to pay out roughly $12 million in damages, as the result of a ruling entered for a class action lawsuit against them in Arizona. Several other states in the United States are currently waiting to hear cases against the company. Here is a brief list of states with pending cases at the time this article was written:
Illinois California Florida Texas Minnesota Wisconsin Missouri
It is important to note that no one can predict the outcome of these lawsuits, but they may be successful at obtaining monetary recompense for victims. Most of the victims are experiencing symptoms like:
The prominence of problems is inspiring some victims to bring lawsuits against the parent company, Matrixx Initiatives. If you feel that you are exhibiting any of the symptoms or ailments described above, and have recently taken any of the cold and flu remedies that were mentioned, contact your health care professional immediately.
If your doctor or physician positively diagnoses you with anosmia, contact a Zicam attorney immediately. It does not matter if the problems are temporary or permanent. All that matters is that you get in touch with someone as soon as possible, so you can be sure to secure any recompense that you may be owed.
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