Certain Zicam OTC Products Recalled

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to avoid using certain over-the-counter Zicam products, after receiving 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with use.

Many Zicam users who experienced loss of sense of smell, also known as anosmia, said the condition occurred with the first dose; while others reported a loss of smell after multiple uses.

The affected Zicam products are:

–Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
–Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
–Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)

Anosmia, can adversely affect a person’s safety by limiting their ability to detect the smell of gas, spoiled food or smoke and other dangers in the environment.

“We are concerned that consumers may unknowingly use a product that could cause serious harm, and therefore we are advising them not to use these products for any reason,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

In a letter to Matrixx Initiatives, the maker of Zicam products, the agency said the company must cease marketing the products because they are misbranded and fail to warn users of the risks associated with use.

Zicam users that have experienced loss of smell or other problems associated with these products are advised to contact their health care professional.