Zicam Zinc Nasal Sprays May Damage Sense of Smell, FDA Says
Federal Health Officials Warn Manufacturer to Cease Marketing, Seek FDA Approval
By LISA STARK and KRISTINA FIORE
In collaboration with MedPage Today
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2009
When 45-year-old Mary Ann Brandon of Tyler, Texas, felt a cold coming on two years ago, she reached for a treatment she had never tried before -- Zicam nasal spray.
FDA Says Zicam Zinc Nasal Sprays May Damage Sense of Smell
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to stop using Zicam intranasal cold remedy products containing zinc after continuing reports that some users have lost their sense of smell.
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"I used one squirt in each side of my nose," said Brandon, noting that she used the product on the recommendation of a friend.
But rather than relief from her symptoms, Brandon said, she experienced excruciating pain.
"Within 30 minutes my husband and I were headed to the hospital," she recalled. "It burned my whole face, neck. I felt like I was on fire."
While she was able to reach the hospital for treatment for her reaction to the product, she was met with another bizarre side effect that has continued to this day.
"I got up the next day, ate, and could not taste a thing," she said. "It took about two weeks for the burning to go away. I had no taste or smell."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to stop using three Zicam intranasal cold remedy products containing zinc after continuing reports that some users have lost their sense of smell.
Watch "World News With Charles Gibson" tonight at 6:30 ET for the full report.
The over-the-counter products are:
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)
The agency also issued a warning letter to Scottsdale, Ariz.-based drug maker Matrixx Initiatives Inc. to stop marketing the products and seek FDA approval if it wants to keep them on the market.
Messages left with Matrixx representatives were not immediately answered. |
