Another Adverse Side Effect Is Loss Of Sense Of Smell
Matrixx Initiatives, the company that produces and markets a popular brand of cold and flu remedies, has been successfully sued. In 2006, a group of people in Arizona fought and won over $12 million in damages and fees related to side effects, such as loss of taste. Victims convinced a jury of their peers that the loss of taste resulted from the use of Zicam products, sometimes from only a single use. Many other victims experiencing a loss of taste have come forward since then, initiating a variety of class action and personal injury lawsuits across the nation. Right now, there are several cases waiting to be heard by state court systems. Here is a short list of some of the states in which lawsuits are waiting to be heard: - Illinois
- California
- Florida
- Texas
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Missouri
The federal government has also noticed the health issue, and has stepped in to do something. In early 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Matrixx Initiatives with a warning letter indicating that they had received over 130 confirmed cases of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell) that were a direct result of Zicam side effects. Anosmia is a disorder that is often dismissed as unimportant, although doctors, victims, and public health officials all attest to the severity of the problem. People with only mild versions may only lose a small amount of their sense of smell. Other individuals are not so lucky, and end up unable to smell anything at all. Since smell and taste are so closely linked, it is not surprising that many notice damage to this sense as well, along with smell. In some extreme cases, the damage is also complete and permanent. Regardless of severity, people with anosmia take less joy in their food, even reporting severe depression as a result. Matrixx Initiatives continues to provide a full range of products that were not mentioned in the warning letter, although they did issue a voluntary recall of the following three products listed in 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)
If you have any of these products remaining in your homes and medicine cabinets, do not take them. Leading scientific research shows that even a single use can cause permanent and complete damage. If you feel that you are exhibiting any of the Zicam side effects described above, and have recently taken any nasal spray cold and flu remedies that were mentioned, contact your health care professional immediately. If your doctor or physician positively diagnoses you with anosmia, contact an injury lawyer immediately. It does not matter if the symptoms 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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