The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a strong warning to the American public on June 16, 2009 not to use certain Zicam Cold Remedies for any purpose. Over 130 reports of loss of the sense of smell, potentially permanent, have been received by the agency. The involved defective products are:
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids size (already discontinued).
Any persons who have experienced a loss of smell is advised to seek advise from their doctor or other health care professional.
Our office has already heard reports of consumers in Northern California that have suffered loss of smell from this over-the counter cold remedy. Such a sensory loss could have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Such things as strong toxic chemicals, smoke or gas would no longer be detectible. Please check your medicine cabinets to see if you have purchased these products in the past. They should be thrown out immediately.
Article on FDA Website.