FDA says Zicam nasal spray can cause loss of smell

AP/Yahoo News ^ | 6/16/09

[Kartographer]

The FDA says consumers should stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and related products immediately. All the over-the-counter products contain zinc. Scientists say that ingredient may damage nerves in the nose needed for smell.

[metmom]

ping

[a fool in paradise]

The FDA says about 130 consumers have reported a loss of smell after using Matrixx Initiatives' Zicam products since 1999.

And how many other people who use zinc without any brandname or a competing brand have also suffered sense of smell in the past decade?

This seems to be a targeted attack on Rush's adveriser as well a home remedies.

Zinc is the stated culprit, not "Zicam". And plenty of people have not lost sense of smell.

Big Pharma wants your cold symptom medicine sales.

[a fool in paradise]

"Loss of the sense of smell is potentially life threatening and may be permanent," said Dr. Charles Lee, of FDA's compliance division. "People without the sense of smell may not be able to detect dangerous life situations, such as gas leaks or something burning in the house."

Talk about fear mongering. I don't even have natural gas in my home. And my apartment requires smoke detectors.

[a fool in paradise]

What will the FDA clear as ‘totally safe’?

Marijuana for "medicinal" purposes.

[skinkinthegrass]

This seems to be a targeted attack on Rush's adveriser as well a home remedies.

This has, the Democ'RAT'S "pawprints", all over it.

[a fool in paradise]

The FDA said Zicam Cold Remedy was never formally approved because it is part of a small group of remedies that are not required to undergo federal review before launching. Known as homeopathic products, the formulations often contain herbs, minerals and flowers.

The FDA is homeopathicphobic.

[a fool in paradise]

Is this just referring to the nasal spray, or is it also referring to the tablets and throat spray?

Anything with Zinc.

And the FDA is also saying that there is no evidence that Zicam actually does anything stated:

But government scientists say they are unaware of any data supporting Zicam's labeling, which claims the drug reduces cold symptoms, including "sore throat, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and congestion."

So they have TWO stated reasons for attacking Zicam (plus: the FDA has NO oversight for homeopathic products, the products accounted for about 40 percent of its $111.6 million in sales last year, and Zicam is an endorsed product by Rush Limbaugh).

The Obamunists are siding with Big Pharma which sells products that ARE bad for your physical health and impair your ability to function.

[a fool in paradise]

I use Afrin very limited (one day, not the 2 or 3 day max stated). But it will open a nasal passage. It’s not homeopathic, however.

Zinc is zinc.

[a fool in paradise]

It cures “loss of appetite”.

[neverdem]

thanks, bfl

[ConservativeMan55]

bttt

[CaliforniaCon]

RE: “I use Afrin very limited (one day, not the 2 or 3 day max stated). But it will open a nasal passage. It’s not homeopathic, however.

Zinc is zinc.”

*************

I know someone who destroyed the nasal passages from overuse of Afrin and that was warned about decades ago. Lots of products include zinc. I love Zicam, have used it since it came on the market and will go buy more now.

Everything available out there causes problems for some people — take the lowly, but life saving aspirin. It can kill people while saving others who chew it while having a heart attack. Shall we take it off the market because a few people overdo its use and kill themselves via bleeding ulcers?

I call BS on all of this — and believe big pharma is behind it — I have very little use for the FDA and anything else run by the government.

[sheikdetailfeather]

I guess we need to check who Cheerios sponsors. FDA should be called Federal Destruction Administration.

[Kickass Conservative]

Rush commented on this last week. He hinted that the entire story has not been told. Either it is just a Political thing because they sponsor Rush, or the FDA is reaching.