Loss of Sense of Smell with Intranasal Cold Remedies Containing Zinc
June 17, 2009
Loss of Sense of Smell with Intranasal Cold Remedies Containing Zinc
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is notifying consumers and healthcare professionals to discontinue use of 3 Nasal Gel/Nasal Swab products sold over-the-counter (OTC) as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell that may be long-lasting or permanent. The FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of the following Zicam products: Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Cold Remedy Swabs (Kids Size). These products, marketed by Matrixx Initiatives, are zinc-containing, nasal cold remedies used to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. However, these products have not been shown to be effective in the reduction of the duration and severity of cold symptoms. This advisory does not concern oral zinc tablets and lozenges taken by mouth. In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products. People who have experienced a loss of sense of smell or other problems after use of the affected products should contact their healthcare professional. The FDA recommends that consumers stop using these products and throw them away.
Source: US Food and Drug Administration