Zicam Nasal Cold Remedies Linked to Loss of Sense of Smell

Several over-the-counter Zicam intranasal cold remedies are associated with long-lasting or even permanent loss of the sense of smell and should not be used, the FDA announced on Tuesday.

The agency says that consumers should "stop using these products and throw them away."

Since 1999, the FDA has received reports of more than 130 cases of anosmia associated with the following zinc-containing products: Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (kid size). Some people reported losing their sense of smell after the first dose. In others, the anosmia occurred after later doses.

In a warning letter to the drugs' marketer, the FDA says there is published evidence that zinc salts can harm olfactory function. In addition, the agency says it is "aware that [the marketer] appears to have more than 800 reports related to loss of sense of smell" associated with the products.