FDA Reviewing Complaints Whether Nasal Spray Causes Loss Of Smell
Zicam Redesigning Pump That Inject Nasal Spray
thedenverchannel.com
POSTED: 11:03 am MDT October 6, 2004
UPDATED: 11:30 am MDT October 6, 2004
DENVER -- Hundreds of consumers say Zicam has caused them to lose their sense of smell and now the Federal and Drug Administration is taking notice, 7NEW Investigator John Ferrugia said.
For the past year doctors at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Taste and Smell clinic have been documenting the loss of smell among users of Zicam's intranasal spray, which contains zinc gluconate.
Hundreds of consumers claim they had a terrible burning sensation and totally lost their sense of smell after using the product.
Our 7NEWS investigation prompted the FDA to ask those effected to call the FDA hotline to report adverse effects.
7NEWS has learned that the FDA has now received more than 100 complaints about the Zicam spray and additional complaints about a similar product made by Cold-Eeze.
An FDA spokesperson now confirms the agency is "conducting a final review in order to determine whether Zicam (zinc gluconate) is causing the instances of (loss of smell)" and, there is "an open investigation being deliberated within FDA."
But "no decisions have been made" with regard to action, the FDA said.
Both the makers of Zicam and Cold-Eeze claim their product is safe and the maker of Zicam said the FDA has yet to contact the company to inform it of an investigation. Even so, the company is redesigning the pump that injects Zicam nasal spray into the nose.
The maker of Zicam said it has hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers. It hired its own panel of outside experts whose preliminary study claims no link between the product and loss of smell.
If you have had problems with the nasal zinc products, the FDA wants to hear from you. You can call toll-free (888) INFO-FDA or (888) 463-6332 or fill out a special form on the FDA's Web site.
If you have a tip for the investigators, call (303) 832-TIPS or e-mail us at Newstips@TheDenverChannel. com.
Additional Resources:
Have You Had Similar Problems? Submit A Report To The FDA
Contact The Investigators About This Story
Discuss This Story With Others
Cold-Eeze's Web site
Zicam's Web site
University of Colorado: Department Of Otolaryngology
University Of Connecticut Taste and Smell Center
Previous Stories:
September 30, 2004: Study Supports Claim Some Nose Sprays Can Cause Loss Of Smell
March 4, 2004: Zicam Admits No Studies Done On Loss Of Smell
February 10, 2004: Chef Claims Cold-Eeze Spray Killed Her Sense Of Smell
February 10, 2004: FDA Investigates Nasal Zinc Products
February 6, 2004: User Says Zicam Robbed Her Of Sense Of Smell
Copyright 2004 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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