Advanced Bionics

Weitz & Luxenberg Warns Public on Zicam, Other Homeopathic Remedies

"Many of our clients presumed the FDA had tested Zicam for safety and had given their seal of approval," said Weitz & Luxenberg partner Robert Gordon. "On the contrary, the FDA never said Zicam was safe before it was put on the market."

On June 16, 2009, the Feds advised consumers to stop using three Zicam products marketed as over-the-counter cold remedies because they are associated with a serious disabling condition, "anosmia," which is the loss of sense of smell. Marketed by Matrixx Initiatives Inc., Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size, a discontinued product that consumers may still have in their homes, have all been associated with anosmia.

The FDA warned consumers on June 16th that since the introduction of Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel to the market in 1999, the agency has received more than 130 reports of anosmia associated with the use of Zicam zinc-containing intranasal products.

Matrixx has admitted it didn't turn over to U.S. regulators 800 consumer complaints about side effects linked to its withdrawn Zicam nasal spray and swabs, according to Bloomberg News on June 18, 2009. Reportedly, FDA spokeswoman Siobhan DeLancey said that companies are required to turn over reports of serious adverse events.

Loss of the sense of smell may cause serious problems, such as failing to smell smoke, a gas leak, or spoiled food. Additionally, loss of the sense of smell is often linked with a loss of the sense of taste. People who cannot taste may unintentionally eat spoiled food and not appreciate flavors, and lose much of the pleasure of eating.

FDA recommends that consumers contact their healthcare provider if they experience loss of the sense of smell or taste, or experience other problems after using any zinc-containing nasal products.

The Zicam recall comes on the heels of two other withdrawals from the market: 14 kinds of Hydroxycut dietary supplements, by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., which are associated serious liver injury and death, and Stamina-Rx, made by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals and sold as a "natural alternative" to prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction. One lot of Stamina-Rx was found to contain the undeclared ingredient benzamidenafil, which may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. In addition to this lot, Hi-Tech is recalling all other lots of Stamina-Rx because it is an unapproved new drug and misbranded new drug in violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the Act).

People who have been harmed by Zicam, Hydroxycut, or Stamina-Rx may contact us for a free lawsuit review via our website, www.weitzlux.com. About Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. Weitz & Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs' litigation law firms in America. The firm has played leading roles in national and local litigations involving mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer, as well as defective medicines and medical devices such as shoulder pain pumps, Stryker hip implants, Zimmer Durom Hip implants, Heparin, Advanced Bionics cochlear implants, Hydroxycut, Zicam and Raptiva, and general negligence and medical malpractice, among others. A forerunner in the legal fight against polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by the TVA coal ash sludge, PCE/TCE, MTBE, and PERC/PCE in float-sink preps.

Keywords: Olfaction Disorders, Women, Other Consumer, Energy, Alternative Energy, Health, Biotechnology, Fitness and Nutrition, Genetics, Bionics, Emerging Technologies, FoodAdverse Drug Effect, Adverse Drug Event, Adverse Drug Reaction, Alternative Medicine, FDA, Homeopathy, Olfaction Disorder, Regulatory Actions, Therapy, Treatment, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.