FDA: Zicam nasal spray can cause loss of smell

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Consumers should stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and related products immediately because they can permanently damage the sense of smell, federal health regulators said Tuesday.

The over-the-counter products contain zinc, an ingredient scientists say may damage nerves in the nose needed for smell. The other products affected by the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement are adult and kid-size Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs.

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