FDA Says Zicam Doesn’t Pass The Smell Test

Do you remember the old black-and-white television series called the twilight zone? While we are dating ourselves talking about the twilight zone we've all heard the term. And sometimes we feel like we're living in it on a daily basis! Take for example this newest warning from the FDA regarding the use of a popular health remedy for colds called Zicam. Why did the FDA issue this new warning? According to one source there have been 130 reports of people losing their sense of smell as a result of using one of the Zicam nasal products.

Zicam's parent company Matrixx is standing behind its rainmaker. Recent sales figures indicate that the parent company had $101 million in sales last year of which 40 million came from Zicam products. The FDA isn't impressed. The authorities recently sent a warning letter to the company informing them of the possible side effects of their products. All this while Zicam has been marketed on several top rated nationally syndicated talk shows.

While we at westonlawyers.com are against too tight of government control, we do believe that it is the federal government's job to protect consumers. It is naïve to think that when a company like Matrixx is slapped on the wrist they will pull their products or even make the necessary changes. As we have stated before companies like Matrixx have massive marketing and PR departments that work hard to overcome negative publicity with spin. And sometimes that is their only response!

All consumers must remember that when products are marketed as “Natural” or “Herbal” that it doesn’t mean they are completely safe. Remember that each “Natural” product most have a warning label attached that states in part, “These claims have not been evaluated by the FDA”. Just because a product is sold in your favorite health food store doesn’t make it immune from having side effects. A company that cares about ensuring public safety will have their own independent research done and will make the documentation available upon request.

For any so called “natural” product, do your research and remember that if it sounds too good to be true then it likely is. Two words should be your guide and they will keep you out of a lot of trouble – Buyer Beware!