Zicam® Litigation at The Lanier Law Firm
Zicam® is an over-the-counter medication manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. Matrixx produces, markets and sells Zicam® in a variety of forms, including 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 purpose of Zicam® is to reduce the duration of the common cold, even if started as late as the second day after the cold begins.
Zicam® gel is a zinc-based gel and has been linked to a condition known as Anosmia. Anosmiacs cannot detect scents or smells of any kind, and the loss of smell greatly reduces the sense of taste.
In January 2006, Matrixx agreed to pay $12 million to settle lawsuits involving 340 plaintiffs who suffered Anosmia after using Zicam® nasal gel. However, despite the increasing number of complaints, the popular nasal gel continues to be sold without a warning about the risk of loss of smell and/or taste.
If you or a loved one has used Zicam® and suffered side effects, please contact our office for a free evaluation.
Zicam News and Information Links:
"Paying Through the Nose - Maker of Cold Spray Settles Lawsuits for $12 Million but Denies Claim That Zinc Product Ruined Users' Sense of Smell", Washington Post, January, 31, 2006.
"Federal Lawsuit Refocuses Attention on Serious Risks Posed by Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel", NewsInferno.com, December 21, 2005
"Zicam: Smelling Trouble?", Washington Post, April 11, 2006
