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Zicam - Miracle Cold Cure Alert?
One of our favorite and quick remedies over the counter for colds is now not being recommended by us or least not without a lot of warning. As much as we hate to be congested, we dislike the thought of not being able to smell or any loss of sense of smell. It can be permanent or long lasting. Just doesn't seem like it's worth the risk to us. (Thanks to our very own local diver, James Mitchell-Clyde for the update!)
For all the facts - the FDA has posted the following on it's website for more information - go to: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm166927.htm
Until then -keep using chicken soup, nasal irrigation, lots of sleep, and hugs will have to suffice.
Zicam Fact SheetJune 16, 2009
* Reports of anosmia or loss of sense of smell associated with use of
three zinc-containing intranasal Zicam products represent a strong and
significant safety signal.
* Anosmia is a serious, disabling condition that may result in the permanent loss of one of the five senses, the sense of smell.- Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent.
- These products are for the treatment of a condition that goes away on its own (common cold).
- People with anosmia may not be able to smell smoke, a gas leak, or
spoiled food. Additionally, anosmia is often associated with a loss of
sense of taste (ageusia).
- Anosmia and ageusia may affect the work of people employed in the
food industry, or other industries in which the sense of smell and
taste are very important.
- Zicam products that are the subject of the warning:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (NDC 62750-003-10)
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (NDC 62750-003-20)
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (NDC 62750-003-21)
- Zicam brands that are NOT affected by the warning:
- Zicam Cold Remedy RapidMelts with Vitamin C
- Zicam Cold Remedy RapidMelts
- Zicam Cold Remedy Oral Mist
- Zicam Cold Remedy Chewables
- Zicam Cold Remedy ChewCaps
- Zicam Cold Sore Gel Swabs
- Zicam Multisymptom Cold and Flu Liquid-Daytime
- Zicam Multisymptom Cold and Flu Liquid-Nighttime
- Zicam Multisymptom Cold and Flu To Go-Daytime
- Zicam Multisymptom Cold and Flu To Go-Nighttime
- Zicam Cough Max Cough Spray
- Zicam Cough Max Cough Melts
- Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief Nasal Gel
- Zicam Intense Sinus Relief Nasal Gel
- Zicam Healthy Z-ssentials
- Zicam Seasonal Allergy Relief Nasal Gel
- Zicam Seasonal Allergy Relief Gel Swabs
* While Zicam also makes zinc-containing oral cold remedies, these
are not subject to this warning because the development of anosmia
appears to be related to the intranasal application of zinc.
* Post-viral anosmia has been noted in individuals (unrelated to
zinc), however, anosmia with intranasal zinc presents differently; many
individuals complain of burning or stinging sensations in the nose and
a more rapid onset of symptoms than is seen with post-viral anosmia.
* FDA's concerns about reported adverse events of anosmia are
heightened by published scientific literature that provides evidence
supporting the connection between intranasal zinc and anosmia.
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