LOSS OF SENSE OF SMELL AND ZICAM

We represent over 100 people who have permanent loss of smell and taste from using Zicam.  We are currently in litigation in Arizona state court over all of these cases.

June 22, 2009:

Thomas & Wan filed a new Zicam lawsuit with 117 clients today in Maricopa County, Arizona against Matrixx Initiatives--read the full story here.

Houston Chronicle interviews Thomas & Wan client regarding permanent loss of smell from Zicam here.

Official Warning Letter from FDA to Matrixx Initiatives here.

The U.S. FDA has just come out with an advisory warning people not to use Zicam products containing zinc as they are linked to permanent loss of smell.  Read the full advisory here. 

 See the Fox News story about our cases below.

Zicam, the popular Zinc nasal cold gel, has been linked to a condition known as Anosmia.  Anosmics cannot detect scents or smells of any kind, and the loss of smell greatly reduces the sense of taste. In addition to not being able to taste food, Anosmia is a dangerous condition, as the sense of smell and taste alert people to fires, poisonous fumes, and leaking gas.

Zicam Research
Zicam is an intranasal zinc solution. Intranasal zinc has been known to kill the ability to smell by both animals and people for many years. For years there had been no use of intranasal zinc in humans. However, because Zinc products fall under the homeopathic provision of FDA laws, these products are not required to get FDA approval before they hit the market. Studies have shown that Zinc nasal cold sprays and gels, like Zicam, not only have dangerous side effects but are ineffective against the colds. While two placebo-controlled trials found that intranasal zinc gluconate modestly shortened the duration of cold symptoms, two other placebo-controlled studies found intranasal zinc to be of no benefit.  In the most rigorously controlled of these studies, intranasal zinc gluconate did not affect the severity or duration of cold symptoms in volunteers inoculated with rhinovirus, a common cause of colds. These studies did find evidence of anosmia and warned about the condition. The reports stated that since zinc-associated anosmia may be irreversible, intranasal zinc preparations should be avoided.

How Zicam Anosmia Affects your Taste
Taste and smell are very strongly linked. You can smell without tasting, but your taste is greatly affected if you cannot smell. Opening your nostrils allows food vapor to flow to reach your olfactory epithelium. The flavor of food is a combination of its temperature, its texture (that means how it feels inside the mouth), its appearance, its taste (meaning salty, bitter, sour, or sweet) and its aroma as perceived by the sense of smell. The sense of smell plays a major role in the flavor of foods and it is common for individuals who lose their sense of smell to report that food loses its taste. While technically loosing your sense of smell does not mean you lose your taste, it does mean you loose your ability to detect and enjoy flavor.

About Zicam
Zicam is manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Matrixx Initiatives produces, markets and sells Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel, Zicam Allergy Relief nasal gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Zicam Kids Size Cold Remedy Swabs, Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief, Zicam Sinus Relief, and Zicam Nasal Moisturizer.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into the advertising and promotion of Zicam Cold Remedy and half a dozen similar over-the-counter cold products manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives of Phoenix. The company disclosed the investigation last week in a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission, saying it was designed to determine whether Matrixx engaged in "unfair or deceptive acts or practices."

Matrixx spokesman Rob Murphy said that the company is cooperating with the FTC request, that it believes its advertising and promotions are accurate and comply with the law and that it stands by its products. John Mendenhall, director of the FTC's Cleveland office, where the inquiry was initiated, declined to comment or to confirm that an investigation is underway.
 

Legal Help for Zicam Victims
If you or a loved one has used Zicam and suffered side effects, please contact us today for a free lawsuit case evaluation by a qualified drug side effects attorney. 

CALL AND SPEAK WITH A LAWYER TODAY AT 713-529-1177

With over 25 years of experience in handling defective products and drugs across the nation, the lawyers of Thomas & Wan have the knowledge and commitment to helping you and your family. We understand the serious physical, emotional and financial difficulties faced by injured people and their families.

Attorneys represent clients across the nation.  Attorneys are licensed in the state of Texas unless otherwise indicated. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Thomas & Wan's primary office is located in Houston.

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