Zicam recall includes a kids product, FDA says products can cause loss of smell

June 16, 7:38 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Check your medicine cabinet! Today the FDA is sending out a warning about three different Zicam products. All  are Nasal Gel/Nasal Swab products sold over-the-counter as cold remedies. The FDA says the products "are associated with the loss of sense of smell that may be long-lasting or permanent."

From the FDA:

The FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of the three Zicam products.  In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products.

The products (listed with their size and product numbers) are:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15mL, NDC 62750-003-10)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-20)
• Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 swabs, NDC 67250-003-21)

The Zicam intranasal zinc products are widely sold in pharmacies, other retail stores, and on the Internet.

Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size, has already been discontinued, but FDA is concerned that consumers may have the product in their home. FDA has special concerns regarding use of intranasal zinc in children. Children may experience a loss of sense of smell but may be less likely to communicate the condition.