Archive for the ‘Zicam’ Category

The Associated Press (“AP”) is reporting that over 800 homeopathic ingredients have been linked to health problems in the past year.  Homeopathic ingredients are highly diluted drugs made from natural ingredients, and are sold as treatments for various ailments.  Due to the recent Food and Drug Administration Zicam warning, a homeopathic cold remedy that has been named a possible cause of a permanent loss of smell in users, the FDA’s lax regulation over homeopathic remedies has been questioned.

Because homeopathic remedies are diluted and natural, they don’t require FDA safety checks.  FDA safety checks are essential for monitoring product concentration, the presence of alcohol in remedies, and the use of any dangerous ingredients.  The recent problems discovered in homeopathic remedies like Zicam and Hydroxycut, a weight-loss supplement that triggered an FDA warning this year, possibly could have been discovered through FDA safety checks.

Investigators are also examining the marketing practices used for drugs such as Zicam and Hydroxycut.  Even before the FDA took action, the Federal Trade Commission began an investigation on whether Zicam was deceptively marketed, and the Better Business Bureau took similar action for both Zicam and Hydroxycut.

Homeopathic drugs are often marketed for vague, broad symptoms, and as such it is difficult to establish their effectiveness. Still, some people swear by the remedies, and the homeopathic drug market brought in over $830 million last year in sales to almost 4 million Americans.

If you have been harmed after using a homeopathic remedy, you may be entitled to file a claim.  Contact an experienced Zicam lawyer or Hydroxycut lawyer today for a free claim evaluation.

On June 22, lawyers filed a Zicam lawsuit in Arizona on behalf of 117 people who suffered adverse reactions to Zicam cold remedies, including Zicam nasal spray and Zicam swabs.  Zicam was recently recalled after the Food and Drug Administration warned that the cold remedy could lead to anosmia, or loss of smell, and that the side effects could be permanent.  The lawsuit was filed against Matrixx Initiatives, and among those suing the company is an upscale Las Vegas chef who can no longer smell or taste food.
     Matrixx has already settled 340 Zicam lawsuits for $12 million dollars to avoid the cost of defending each individual lawsuit.  While Matrixx maintains that Zicam does not cause anosmia, William Hemelt, Matrixx’s active president, recognized that the company is particularly vulnerable to lawsuits.
     If you or someone you love has suffered a loss of smell after using Zicam, you may be entitled to file a Zicam lawsuit.  Contact a Bernstein Liebhard Zicam lawyer for a free claim evaluation.

The Wall Street Journal and other news outlets are reporting that on June 19, Zicam manufacturer Matrixx Inc. received an informal inquiry from the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding its line of recently recalled Zicam cold remedy products.  As we reported previously, Matrixx recalled Zicam nasal spray and swabs after the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) received over 30 reports that the products could lead to anosmia, or loss of smell, and that these side effects could be permanent. 

According to the Wall Street Journal, the SEC is asking for documents related to the FDA warning letter sent on June 16.  This letter contained the FDA’s concerns that Zicam could lead to anosmia.  The product was recalled the next day.  A Matrixx spokesperson says that the company will fully comply with the SEC request.

Zicam lawyers are currently investigating potential Zicam lawsuits and some Zicam lawsuits have already been filed.  Bernstein Liebhard lawyers are available for a free legal consultation about potential Zicam claims.

     Matrixx Initiatives Inc., manufacturer of Zicam brand cold remedies, failed to turn over 800 consumer complaints of serious side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) over a period of two years.  The FDA recently issued a Zicam warning after it received 130 complaints directly from doctors and consumers linking Zicam swabs and nasal sprays to anosmia, or loss of smell.  The FDA does not know whether these Zicam side effects are permanent, and the side effects can occur after just one use of Zicam products.
     A 2007 mandate from the FDA required all companies to turn over any consumer complaints linking food or drug products to serious side effects.  However, Matrixx maintains that the 2007 regulation does not apply to it because Zicam is a cold remedy, not a drug, and therefore not subject to FDA regulation.  FDA spokespeople have asserted that Matrixx was bound by the 2007 government directive.
     Several Zicam lawsuits have already been filed, and that number is expected to grow in the upcoming months.  If you or someone you love has suffered a loss of smell after using Zicam nasal sprays or swabs, you may be entitled to compensation.  Contact an experienced Zicam lawyer.