Lawsuit claims zinc spray destroyed sense of smell March 6, 2005 BY JIM RITTER Health Reporter Advertisement A Chicago woman is suing the manufacturer of an over-the-counter cold remedy that she says caused her to lose her sense of smell. Diane Horvat, 38, said she used a zinc-based remedy called Zicam as directed last August, felt a burning sensation in her nose "and immediately noticed she had no sense of smell," said her attorney, G. Grant Dixon. Horvat never will be able to enjoy "the true pleasures of life, from a bottle of wine to good perfume," Dixon said. Her lawsuit, filed Monday in Cook County circuit court, is one of an estimated 300 filed nationwide, according to Robert Murphy, a spokesman for the manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives. "The company believes the product is safe and effective and will be vindicated in the courts," Murphy said. Between 2 percent and 3 percent of the population suffer loss of smell, Murphy said. Other factors besides Zicam are likely to be the cause of any loss of smell suffered by Horvat and other plaints, he said -- such as sinusitis, nasal injuries or bad colds. Zicam is a homeopathic remedy. Each dose contains less than 3 millionths of a gram of zinc gluconate. One bottle retails for between $10 and $13. Last year, a study at the University of Colorado smell and taste center reported that seven men and three women between 31 and 55 years old reported a loss of smell after taking zinc gluconate. The researchers described only one case in detail. Three company-sponsored studies have cleared Zicam, Murphy said. A population study found that, though 11 million bottles of Zicam have been sold since 1999, there's been no corresponding spike in the number of people who have lost their sense of smell. The company spokesman said a second study found that lab rats that received up to six times the recommended dose of Zicam had no loss of smell. And he said a third study found that, when Zicam is sprayed into the nose, it doesn't even reach the upper area of the nasal cavity where smell reception occurs. A spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration said the federal agency is evaluating complaints related to zinc nasal sprays.
Zicam isn't actually "homeopathic." It IS a pure Zinc suspension. It should not be "Snuffed" into the nose. The idea is to place in on the inside of the nose, and let the mucous membrane absorb it. Out of HOW MANY people taking it? In any population, you can expect ANY symptom to appear, and it may not be connected to the Zicam at all. Looks like some poor reporting and researching was done to blame Zinc for this. I killed two colds and one very serious case of Influenza with Zicam this year alone. But I use it as described above, even the directions tell you NOT to sniff it up your nose.
It can be difficult to breath without sniffing,especially if you feel your nose running some. I used to use Zicam myself. It didn't make me loose my sense of smell,but I did have a problem with sounding "nasel" when I talked. I'am not sure if it was Zicam related,but after learning about other people's problems with it I decided to stop using it just to be on the safe side.
I would NEVER put zinc in my nose. It just doesn't seem like a good idea. If used as directed, it is most likely okay. Look at the amount of people who have used it vs the amount of people with a problem. I would just take a zinc tablet, though. I like the convienence. . . Be careful with Zicam products, though. I think the companies marketing practices are very suspect. They now market Zicam for congestion, it is the SAME as Afrin. They also market Zicam cough spray, which contains dextromethorphan. There is nothing wrong with Afrin or dextromethorphan, but I think they are misleading people by using the Zicam name, which people associate with a natrural treatment option.
I don't use Zicam for congestion. I use it to strengthen my immune system if I am getting a respiratory infection. I don't actually put IN my nose, it is placed near the opening of the nostril, just a dab, where it is absorbed by the mucous membrane. It doesn't go UP your nose, if you use it properly. Just lies on the membrane until you absorb it (and I usually blow my nose after a few minutes cuz it drives me crazy to have something sitting there. I probably use a drop the size of a raindrop. I don't think it is much different than taking a zinc tablet. Orally zinc makes me really nauseous, the Zicam does not.
Maggie, why won't you answer my question?? why aren't you suppose to "sniff up the gel"?? what will happen? did you know that zinc has been linked to anosmia dating back to the 1930's?! looks like YOU need to do the research! you're a stupid fool.
some kind of colds/breathing organ infection can destroy your sense of smell, and sometimes even taste. usually, this is temporary, but sometimes it lasts very long.
Sorry all - Russ has been bashing MTXX (Zicam) stock on the MTXX yahoo board and followed a link about Zicam to this board (to bash it here). Common opinion is that these people are short the stock or are employed by people that are. I myself have been a loyal Zicam user since 1999 and swear by its effectiveness. The old story - I used the product, loved it, and bought the stock. Anyhow, sorry about Russ's intrusion. He was gloating about his comments on the Yahoo board so I had to come see what stupid thing he posted.
nice try wrb1000 - but i have NO interest in the stock, or the company. people should be aware of what is really going on. how bout you tell the nice people of this group that MTXX used cadavers and rats to test Zicam. first off, the cadavers, obviously since they are DEAD, could not report loss of smell after using Zicam. Rats have a secondary sense of smell. so no matter what they did to the rats' noses, the rats' could still sense smells. like i said, nice try. LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN! -Russ
Exactly why I am not responding. What a weird thing for someone to get all excited about. To the point of flaming. Jeez. It's a freakin cold remedy. Use it or don't. WHO CARES?
