Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Zicam intranasal solutions have caused damaged or permanent loss of smell in some consumers.
In my opinion, the maker of Zicam has misused the term ``homeopathic'' in order to evade FDA approval. And we, the consumers, are paying for it. Zicam is generating so much profit that the manufacturer is still marketing the potentially harmful forms (intranasal) of Zicam.!
I used to recommend this product all the time to cold-sufferers. While I still believe it is an effective product, I can only recommend the TABLET or oral forms of Zicam - NOT the swabs or nasal sprays or anything that goes up your nose.
Here's why:
Zicam claims to be ``homeopathic'' Zincum gluconicum in 1x potency. In other words Zicam is just a 10% intranasal zinc-compound solution. Typically homeopathic remedies are sold in much more dilute solutions.
For example a 6x potency is one part in a million of the original substance. This is why homeopathic medicines are considered safe; there is little or nothing left to cause harm. In the case of Zicam, by calling it homeopathic and adopting the homeopathic terminology, the manufacturer found a way to market a 10% solution of zinc gluconate without FDA oversight.
Intranasal zinc has been known to destroy the ability to smell in both animals and people since at least the 1930s. For years there had been no attempt to use intranasal zinc in humans. However because Zincam products fall under the homeopathic provision of FDA laws, these products are not required to get FDA approval before they were put on the market.
In 2006, the maker of Zicam agreed to pay $12 million to settle 340 lawsuits brought by consumers who claimed the product's nasal gel damaged or destroyed their sense of smell.
Like we Lymies really need MORE problems?
Sorry, I did not save any links but there is considerable information on the Internet about this.
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I have heard of people on other boards complaining of losing their smell. They feel like they have been robbed in which they have.
Posts: 805 | From Utopia | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
This is distressing news. I've loved using Zicam when I had colds...
Now what do I do?
Posts: 449 | From Pasadena, CA, usa | Registered: Aug 2005
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Psano, the Zicam tablets should pose no risk. Just don't use any of the Zicam stuff that you put up your nose.
I've only used the swabs in the past and I think it was the swabs were what triggered the lawsuits. But I still wouldn't use the nasal spray either after what I've learned.
They didn't have tablets available the last time I used it so I haven't tried them. I know one person used the tablets and they worked for her.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Their oral spray worked well for me also. Glad to know I shouldn't use the up the nose stuff.
-------------------- Getting older is when we would rather not have a good time than have to get over it. - Oscar Wilde Posts: 386 | From Radnor, PA - where the ticks run free | Registered: May 2006
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
What I found a bit surprising is that I never did hear any of this on the news. I accidentally ran across it looking for something else.
The chances are pretty low that the "up the nose" forms of Zicam would cause damage, but Lymies often have bigger reactions to things than normal people.
So, better to be forwarned, I guess.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
The 'coldeeze' product has studies to show that it works. It has zinc in a form that seems to help shorten the duration of a cold. It did help me.
-------------------- When I lost my grip on Faith in the maze of illness, Hope gently clasped my hand and led on.
RuthRuth Posts: 478 | From California | Registered: Jan 2007
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