Using Zicam could stunt sense of smell

(NBC) - The FDA received over 130 reports from consumers who lost their sense of smell after using Zicam cold remedy nasal gel or nasal swabs.

The intranasal products claim to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. The company, Matrixx Initiatives, has been told to stop marketing the project and if they wish to continue marketing, they need to apply for FDA approval.

Officials said animal studies show zinc is toxic to the nerve receptors in the nose, but more studies are needed.

In 2006, Matrixx Initiatives paid $12 million to settle over 300 lawsuits by consumers who said their sense of smell was damaged or destroyed after using the products, however the company said it was not an admission of liability.

The products included in the recall are:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (a discontinued product)

Many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose and others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the product.