In June 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers nationwide about the possibility of permanent loss of smell from using certain popular Zicam Cold Remedy products, including Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs. If you have used Zicam products and lost your sense of smell or taste, you may be entitled to compensation from Matrixx Initiatves, the maker of Zicam Cold Remedy products.

Zicam and Zinc Gluconate

These “homeopathic” products contain soluble zinc gluconate, a compound that is linked to permanent loss of smell (anosmia). Zinc gluconate, also sometimes known as zincum gluconium, consists of zinc salt of gluconic acid. Although it is effective in treating the rhinovirus and has been hailed as a miracle cure for colds, zinc used intranasally has long been associated with loss of smell since it was used to treat polio in the 1930’s. Zicam nasal gel products have been linked to loss of smell for nearly a decade. The FDA and Zicam’s manufacturer have together received nearly 1,000 complaints of loss of smell.

Zicam Lawsuits and Settlements

If you have significantly or completely lost your sense of smell from using Zicam, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer of Zicam. Although they have long denied their products may cause loss of smell, Zicam’s manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives, has already paid out millions of dollars in settlements to hundreds of people who have lost their sense of smell from using Zicam. The dangerous product lawyers at Estey Bomberger are currently representing consumers who have harmed by Zicam products in product liability claims against Matrixx Initiatives. For more information, contact us for a free consultation or visit our Zicam Lawsuit Information site.