Zicam Attorneys
Serving Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and surrounding areas
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a press release urging consumers to stop using three over-the-counter cold remedies because they are now believed to play a role in anosmia, a condition that causes loss of the sense of smell. This condition is almost always serious, long-lasting and sometimes even lifelong. The brand names of the three products are:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs
- Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (Use of this product has recently been discontinued)
If you or someone you know has used one of these products and is experiencing any difficulties relating to the sense of smell, it is advisable to meet with an experienced team of attorneys for a consultation. Negligence on the part of someone else may be involved in the situation.
Consumer Claims
The FDA has been notified of more than 130 cases where individuals have experienced anosmia-related symptoms and link the Zicam products to every one of the cases. For some, the loss of smell began after the first instance of taking the drug. For others, they took the drug several times before noticing any problems. Unknowingly using a product that could cause harm is never an issue to be taken lightly, which is the reason behind the government ruling.
The maker of Zicam, Matrixx Initiatives, markets Zicam as a homeopathic medicine. As such, it isn’t subject to FDA approval. The FDA, however, can step in when there is evidence that a drug could inflict harm. Now the company will have to conduct clinical tests with government oversight to counteract consumer claims.
Consult With a Health Care Professional
If you have used Zicam products and then started having trouble with your ability to smell, you should immediately talk to a health care professional. The loss of smell affect doesn’t just affect one’s quality of life; potentially dangerous situations also can arise. For instance, one may not be able to smell a gas leak or smoke in their home and not seek safety in time.
If you live in the vicinity of Oklahoma City and have suffered due to a defective drug, you should contact a team of attorneys who specialize in personal cases involving another entity’s negligence. Stipe & Belote, L.L.P. has successfully handled hundreds of cases for victims where another was at fault. They will be happy to discuss your situation during a free consultation and offer their expert advice to help you get a more accurate idea of your situation and the legal system.
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When workers are injured, employers and their workers compensation insurance carrier are responsible for providing those employees with the medical care they need as quickly as possible. 
If you are disabled, and can no longer work, the federal government offers disability payments to individuals who qualify under the Social Security Disability Insurance plan. 
