Zicam is a line of over-the-counter remedies that is marketed as a treatment for sinus ailments, including the common cold and allergies.
In June 2009, the FDA reported that in the previous 10 years, 130 users of Zicam Cold Remedy had lost their sense of smell—a condition known as anosmia. Only nasally administered forms of Zicam were mentioned in the report: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size.
Shares of Zicam stock dropped more than 50% with the report's publication, and the FDA ordered that the three products be recalled.http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/16/news/companies/zicam_sense_of_smell/?postversion=2009061613
Side Effects of Zicam
It's been recently discovered that zicam may lead to a potentially permanent loss of smell. The FDA has recommended that consumer stop using the product immediately to prevent this injury.
References
Fast Facts
-
Active ingredient
zinc glucinate (in Zicam Cold Remedy)
-
Fact:
Zicam Cold Remedy is claimed to shorten the duration of the common cold
-
Fact:
Orally or nasally administered
-
Fact:
Nasally administered forms of Zicam Cold Remedy may damage sense of smellhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/06/16/news/companies/zicam_sense_of_smell/?postversion=2009061613
-
Fact:
Active ingredients in Zicam allergy remedies include galphimia glauca and histaminum hydrochloricum
-
Fact:
FDA Warns that use of Zicam may cause loss of smell
