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The Connection between Zicam and Loss of Smell

On June 16, 2009, the U.S. food and drug administration sent out an immediate press release stating that they do not advice the use of the following products because of their connection to loss of smell:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gell
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size

The report indicated that the loss of smell, a condition known as anosmia, could be long-lasting or permanent. The FDA received over 130 reports of anosmia associated with Zicam products. Many people who took the product developed loss of smell with their first use.

“We are concerned that consumers may unknowingly use a [Zicam] product that could cause serious harm, and therefore we are advising them not to use these products for any reason,” says the director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The Loss of a Sense

Linda Bayley is just one of the many individuals who claim that a Zicam product robbed her of her sense of smell permanently.

"You know, looking at your whole life and not being able to smell and not being able to have flavors, all because you used a product. I mean, it's just not fair, it's just not fair," Bayley told a correspondent at 7NEWS while sobbing.

We only have five senses with which to appreciate the world, and losing one of them means life is never exactly the same. Robert Tambling, an avid gardener who has been suffering from anosmia since 2003, says that his "Favorite [flowers], the daphnes, are wonderful, but I haven't been able to smell them for three years…It's a loss that needs to be mourned."

Others have reported severe depression after losing their sense of smell claiming that words cannot describe the loss of being able to smell a loved one, or any other powerful emotion-inducing scent (BBC News).

Aside from the enjoyment our sense of smell brings, it also alerts us to danger. We owe things like detecting a gas leak, becoming aware of a fire nearby, and noticing when food has gone bad to our sense of smell. A person without a sense of smell must forever be on guard.

The loss of smell can ultimately have an adverse effect on your career. These are some of the various jobs that depend on having a sense of smell:

• Health and safety inspector
• Firefighter
• Chef
• Food critic
• Product tester working with olfactory-related products
• Perfumist

You Are Not Alone

In 2006, Matrixx, the manufacturer of Zicam products, agreed to pay $12 million to 300 people who had brought a class-action lawsuit against them. The lawsuit was on the grounds that Zicam products caused anosmia for these individuals. Matrixx settled without admitting to any fault. Still, the University of Colorado Taste and Smell Clinic continues to get reports of Zicam-related anosmia (7NEWS).

Dr. Bruce Jafek of the University of Colorado Taste and Smell Clinic says that of the people who reported a loss of smell after using Zicam, “Approximately 25 to 30 percent have had some return of their sense of smell but that means, however, 60 to 70 percent have had no return of function…In my opinion, the product is dangerous in putting zinc ions into the nose.”

Help Is Available

For the many people who have suffered a partial or complete loss of smell, there is help. There is still time to bring legal action against Matrixx. The compensation you will receive can help take care of loss of income due to anosmia, pain and suffering, and future income lost. For those considering a lawsuit, the attorneys at Weitz & Luxenberg can help.

see also:

Fact Sheet Zicam Fact Sheet | Weitz & Luxenberg
Zicam lawyers can help you file a lawsuit for your loss of smell.

Anosmia Zicam products can cause anosmia: our law firm can help you seek compensation
Did you use Zicam and develop Anosmia? Weitz & Luxenberg can help you file a case.

Zicam Zicam Personal Injury Lawyer | Weitz & Luxenberg
Get a free lawsuit review from a Zicam lawyer if you sustained anosmia