On June 16, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the warning for consumers to stop using three zinc-containing Zicam products. The products, all used in the nose, may cause a loss of sense of smell.
Incidentally, intra-nasal means in the nose.
First a bit about what happened. Then an opinion as to why the FDA warning needed to be put in place in relation to the Zicam risk.
The three products are advertised as reducing the duration of the common cold and or the severity of cold symptoms.
The products (listed with their size and product numbers) are
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21)
The Zicam products are sold in pharmacies, retail stores, and on the Internet. Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size, have already been discontinued.
Why did the FDA take this action?
The report indicated there were more than 130 reports of anosmia—the loss of sense of smell—associated with use of these three Zicam products.
The FDA also sent a warning letter to Matrixx Initiatives advising that these products cannot be marketed without FDA approval. The warning letter also notes that the products do not include adequate warnings about the risk of loss of sense of smell.
Why since this is a natural product. There is no scientific explanation at the present.
However, here are a few possibilities.
It comes down to a few simple principles.
One, if a little is good, more is not always better and some times it can cause serious harm.
Consider vitamins A, D, E, K that are good if they are taken in moderation. Take too much and you will get sick.
Zinc is a powerful essential nutrient. It is one of the glutathione co-factors.
Years ago it was a common wound treatment. It prevented infection in wounds.
Chelated in the form of lozenges, it is the best sore throat remedy available on the market. It has been clinically shown to shorten the duration of a cold.
However, even the makers of the cold lozenge that stops sore throats tells you that there are certain circumstances you should not take it under. One of the most important, is that you should not take it for more than the directed times per day and not more than three to five days in a row.
Also, our mucous membranes are the quickest route to the blood stream short of an IV injection. Since they can absorb the zinc faster than, say our skin, there is increased risk of an overdose.
One of the articles on this said there are no studies to prove that the Zicam actually causes the loss of smelling.
Imagine this: A major over the counter supplement company looking for volunteers for clinical trials of existing product. Some will be in the placebo group. Others will get the actual treatment. Those receiving the treatment will possibly risk losing their ability to smell. It is not known if it will be temporary or for the rest of your life.
Wow, let me sign up for that. How much do you say I get paid?
It is a bit late for such a trial.
Not to fear. Rush L said he has been using it, (to garner incredible advertising fees) for some time now and has not lost his sense of smell.
What you do is up to you. However, it is sometimes best to err on the side of caution.
This brings an important point about complimentary alternative medicine (CAM). Stories like this provides fodder for explanations as to reasons for doctors to reject all CAM.
The ulterior truth is that there is no one right answer. The answers, what ever they may be, may be unique to each of us.
Good health to you.