The makers of Zicam Cold Remedy products blamed for causing nearly 1,000 people to lose their senses of smell have officially begun the process of recalling the products from store shelves. If you have experienced loss of smell due to use of Zicam products, call Parilman & Associates for information on your rights.
A week after the Food and Drug Administration announced it has received 130 reports since 1999 of Zicam users losing their ability to smell, Matrixx Initiatives of Scottsdale, Ariz. has now notified retail stores, wholesalers, and distributors of the recall of Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs products. The stores are being asked to stop selling the products.
On June 16, the FDA warned Matrixx to stop selling the Zicam products and advised consumers to avoid using the over-the-counter remedies and throw them in the trash immediately.
In addition to the 130 cases the FDA said it received, Matrixx officials admitted that the company also received about 800 reports of consumers who complained of losing their sense of smell but did not pass those complaints on to the FDA because the company’s attorneys said the company was not required to do so.
Matrixx, which “vigorously disagrees” that its popular brands of cold remedies have caused users to suffer a reduced ability to smell, said the company “is conducting this recall because of its desire to cooperate with the FDA.”
The company previously had said it would recall the products, but now the company has formally notified retail stores of the recall action.
In 2006, the company agreed to pay a total of $12 million to settle claims from 300 Zicam users who said using the cold remedies cost them their senses of smell.
If you or a loved one has suffered adverse drug reactions as a result of taking Zicam and would like to be kept advised of further developments or discuss your legal options, call Parilman & Associates. We will be happy to answer your questions and keep you informed of your rights.
