Trumm Drug

Safety Concerns about Intranasal Zicam Products

On June 16th, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning
letter to Matrixx, the maker of the over-the-counter cold and flu products
called Zicam, to remove two of its popular products from the market due to
concerns about their safety.
The warning letter to withdraw Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and Zicam Cold
Remedy Swabs was issued after over 130 reports to the FDA that the use of
these two products caused anosmia, or the loss of the sense of smell. The
loss of the sense of smell from using the intranasal (administered through
the nose) zinc-based products could be long lasting or even permanent. The
FDA is telling consumers to stop using the intranasal products and discard
them or return them for a refund. Despite the negative reports for Zicam
Nasal Gel and Nasal Swabs, Matrixx claims their other 17 Zicam-branded
products are safe to use and will remain on retailer shelves.
People who have experienced the loss of the sense of smell or other
problems after using the Zicam should contact their health care provider.
For more information on the FDA’s recall of Zicam or how to arrange for a
refund of these products, you can visit http://www.fda.gov and http://www.zicam.com or
call Matrixx at 877-942-2626.

Despite intranasal Zicam products being removed from the market, many
remedies are available to treat bothersome cold symptoms. These treatments
include:
• Water and other fluids: Drinking large amounts of fluid can help
break-up congestion and prevent dehydration. However, consumption of
alcohol and caffeine can make dehydration worse.
• Salt Water: Gargling salt-water can temporarily relive a sore or
scratchy throat.
• Saline Nasal Sprays: Over-the counter saline nasal sprays help to
combat congestion or stuffiness and are safe to use in children.
• Chicken Soup: It has recently been shown chicken soup may have
anti-inflammatory properties, as well as working as a decongestant.
• Over-the-counter medicines: Decongestants such as Sudafed and cough
suppressants like Robitussin can also be used to treat cough and
congestion, but should not be used in children under the age of 4. Pain
relievers like Tylenol and ibuprofen can be used for aches and pains as
well as fevers.
• Humidity: Adding humidity to the air can keep mucous passages moist,
which helps with dry coughs and fends off viruses.
If you have any questions about the treatments listed or need advice on
treating your cold symptoms, ask your pharmacist or other health care
provider.

Resources
1. “Information on Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal
Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size.”
(http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm166834.htm)
2. “Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt.”
(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cold-remedies/ID00036)
3. http://www.zicam.com

---