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Suffering from a Loss of Smell, or Anosmia? Contact a Zicam Attorney.

Personal Injury Lawsuits Underway On Behalf Of Zicam Consumers

On June 16th 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter of warning to Matrixx Initiatives, the manufacturer of the popular Zicam cold remedy. At issue were problems associated with three particular products from the company, which produces a wide range of offerings marketed at people suffering from flu-like symptoms. Matrixx Initiatives pulled each of the three products from the shelves, but still sells 18 other items under the popular brand name, including syrups, sprays, lozenges, and swabs designed to decrease illness symptom severity. If you have ever taken one of the three items mentioned in that warning letter (listed below), and have experienced any adverse affects, a Zicam attorney will be able to help.


  • 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 FDA identified these specific products because over 130 confirmed cases of a nasal damage ailment known as anosmia had been reported. Extreme manifestation of symptoms can affect victims temporarily in either the short or long term - but damage can also be permanent. If you experience any of the following symptoms for any length of time, do not hesitate to seek out a Zicam attorney.


  • Loss of olfactory sense

  • Reduced olfactory sense

  • Reduced sense of taste

  • Finding food less appealing

Some people are surprised to learn that being unable to detect the odor of food means that their taste will be diminished as well. Meals are often less appealing to people with a poor sense of smell. Many victims that completely and permanently lose their olfactory function (known as congenital anosmics) report two major effects on their quality of life.


  • Reduced awareness of potential dangers

  • Lost memories and associations

Anosmics are also at an increased risk for lethal inhalations of noxious fumes. In fact, it is impossible, for instance, for victims to smell natural gas leaking into a house from a home furnace, water heater, gas-fuelled fireplace, or other gas appliance. This can lead to potentially life-threatening situations, as victims continue to reside in environments that have become completely saturated with gases that can cause serious health problems or brain damage.


Suffering anosmics also lose some memories and natural emotional reactions, as well. This is because, neurologically speaking, smell is one of the strongest, most effective creators of concrete memories. Subsequently, as victims are incapable of smelling the world around them, they find their memories to be less powerful, or harder to recall.


These problems are inspiring some victims to bring a Zicam lawsuit  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, you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

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