Agreement to Settle Zicam Loss of Smell, Taste Lawsuits Reached for $15.5M
The makers of Zicam have indicated that they are offering a $15.5 million to settle lawsuits brought by consumers who allege that they lost their sense of taste and smell due to the company’s recalled line of nasal sprays and gels.
The Zicam settlement was announced on Tuesday by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc., which is preparing to be acquired by H.I.G. Capital LLC, a private investment firm. The company said that 1,014 plaintiffs and 1,127 claimants will be eligible to be a part of the settlement. In return they would drop all lawsuits and claims against the company.
A Zicam recall was issued last year after the FDA identified at least 120 adverse event reports involving loss of smell with Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs Kids Size.
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Learn MoreAlthough Matrixx Initiatives has maintained that their over-the-counter cold remedy could not be the cause for the problems, the manufacturer agreed to remove the product from the market following the FDA warning.
In the aftermath of the recall, FDA inspectors discovered 800 reports of Zicam problems that Matrixx Initiatives failed to forward to the agency, in violation of federal regulations.
A growing number of people have come forward to pursue a Zicam lawsuit against Matrixx Initiatives, alleging that they suffered loss of smell or taste after using the product. Last October, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated the federal Zicam recall litigation for pretrial proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
The Zicam injury lawsuits allege that zinc gluconate, the single active ingredient in nasal Zicam cold remedies, is toxic to the tissue inside the nose and can cause damage to a user’s ability to smell, detect odors or taste; a condition known as anosmia. In addition to causes a decreased quality of life, these Zicam smell and taste problems, could pose a more serious health risk to consumers, who may be unable to detect spoiled foods, gas leaks or other hazardous conditions.
The agreement to settle Zicam suits was reached around the same time it was announced that the manufacturer will be acquired by H.I.G. The acquisition is scheduled to begin on December 22, when the firm will start buying shares for $8 each. That price is a 56% increase in value for the company’s stock price, which tanked after the Zicam nasal spray and gel recall in 2009 and never fully recovered.
In August, Matrixx Initiatives settled 18 Zicam class action lawsuits, agreeing to pay $35,000 and attorney fees to the lead plaintiffs. The company also agreed to place a warning label on the nasal sprays and gels if they are ever allowed to return to store shelves.
Matrixx Initiatives has attempted multiple times to get the FDA to withdraw its warning on Zicam, claiming that the agency does not have the scientific data to make a determination that Zicam causes anosmia, loss of the sense of smell. However, the FDA has refused. And while Zicam nasal sprays and gels were sold as an unregulated herbal supplement, the FDA has determined that the health risks of Zicam nasal products means that the nasal sprays and gels will first have to get FDA approval before returning to shelves.
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40 Comments
JohnFebruary 1, 2024 at 7:08 pm
I am another one that lost my sense of smell and taste years ago due to the use of Zicam nasal spray. I just found out about this lawsuit. I would have participated had I known about the lawsuit. If anybody wants to initiate another lawsuit, let me know. They obviously kept it very quiet so many injured people wouldn't find out about it.
FeltonDecember 20, 2023 at 7:14 pm
I took the Zicam nasal spray. The spray lead to a burning sensation. Thus left me the lose of smell. Occasionally I can smell and the smell remains in my nostrils after leaving the area of the smell.
NancyOctober 6, 2023 at 11:42 pm
I started using the Zicam swabs in 2009 when I was doing my student teaching—I was exposed to all kinds of germs and I thought Zicam was a miracle. It took me a while to make the connection between Zicam use and my loss of smell, did not know about the lawsuit. I miss the smell of coffee, flowers my husband buys for me and so much more.
SusanMay 21, 2023 at 10:45 pm
Ditto for me- I never expected to see so many current comments about Zicam injuries. My deepest sympathies to all. Just like the Court settlement for Roundup, there was no admission of guilt or culpability for damage done on the part of Monsanto and the product is everywhere with no warning signs. I don't want a $$$ settlement because then you can't complain publicly or warn anyone. I started u[Show More]Ditto for me- I never expected to see so many current comments about Zicam injuries. My deepest sympathies to all. Just like the Court settlement for Roundup, there was no admission of guilt or culpability for damage done on the part of Monsanto and the product is everywhere with no warning signs. I don't want a $$$ settlement because then you can't complain publicly or warn anyone. I started using Zicam in 2005 to ward off a bad cold, recommended by my SIL. It worked great. The swabs did hurt my nostrils so started using the throat spray. What a dummy I was trying to avoid strong OTC cold meds. Slowly but surely my sense of smell and taste were shot except for a very few things. I quit Zicam altogether 7 years ago and only recently learned about the Class Action suit from 2011. I never took the Covid Jab, but interesting how loss of taste & smell are supposed symptoms of a Covid infx. Not a believer in single cause/single source diagnoses when you consider the bad water, bad air, less than nutritious foods, and all the medical issues. Etc etc etc
MarcieMarch 31, 2023 at 4:11 pm
I used Zicam swabs repeatedly in the late 1980's and early 1990 thinking it was a more homeopathic remedy for colds with nasal congestion. I discovered that I had lost my sense of smell in 1991. It has never returned. I would love to know if there is any current litigation to compensate people with Zicam induced anosmia?
JodyMarch 11, 2023 at 5:02 am
I took Zicam in 2015 when I had a cold/flu. My daughter recommended it for its assumed homeopathic properties. I used this product in both the spray and the oral capacity for a few days. When my flu ended, my sense of smell and taste did not return as had always been the case. It has never returned. I went to see a medical doctor about it and he could do nothing. I then found online there was a c[Show More]I took Zicam in 2015 when I had a cold/flu. My daughter recommended it for its assumed homeopathic properties. I used this product in both the spray and the oral capacity for a few days. When my flu ended, my sense of smell and taste did not return as had always been the case. It has never returned. I went to see a medical doctor about it and he could do nothing. I then found online there was a class action lawsuit so I called the lawyers, but they said, the lawsuit was closed so that they could do nothing for me. I didn’t realize and they didn’t suggest there could be subsequent lawsuits with other victims of this drug by different lawyers. If you are stepping in to help us receive compensation or are aware of lawyers who would, please count me in. I am 68 and have lived with this debilitating condition for 7 years. Much appreciated!
LoriDecember 19, 2022 at 8:35 pm
Just came across this, and my story is . Never thinking that there was a connection between zicam and lost ability to smell or taste. Happy I found this space.
BarbaraNovember 14, 2022 at 5:51 pm
I lost my sense of smell using Zicam. I didn't know there was a lawsuit. I would like to know if I have any options for compensation.
LawrenceSeptember 16, 2022 at 2:16 pm
Hi I tried This product in 2009. I moved to Phoenix Arizona in 2006 from Canada. I lived in Az until 2011 when I moved back to Canada. This product caused me to lose most of my smell and taste. I would be interested if there was ever a second lawsuit or other option.
JaimeApril 11, 2022 at 4:12 pm
I used this product around 08-09, it worked as far as cold symptoms go but now I can't smell, I noticed it but never connected it with zicam and never knew of the notice to stop using it , wish I would have known, sad that it wasn't better known 😥
MargaretMarch 15, 2022 at 8:39 am
I wish I would have known about this lawsuit. I used Zicam nasal gel for just 3 days in 2010 and lost my sense if smell and taste. I knew it was the Zicam and I even kept the bottle. I have a catering business and must count on others to tell me if my food tastes right or tell me what's missing. I can't smell spoiled food, have made myself sick and am so afraid if making someone else sick. I [Show More]I wish I would have known about this lawsuit. I used Zicam nasal gel for just 3 days in 2010 and lost my sense if smell and taste. I knew it was the Zicam and I even kept the bottle. I have a catering business and must count on others to tell me if my food tastes right or tell me what's missing. I can't smell spoiled food, have made myself sick and am so afraid if making someone else sick. I can't smell smoke or leaking propane. I will never be able to live on my own. Count me in if there is another lawsuit. Zicam ruined my life!!
CindiFebruary 7, 2022 at 10:07 pm
I was using Zicam nasal swabs before any lawsuits were filed. I had no idea that this could have been the reason for my loss of smell and taste. I had a multitude of tests done to try to determine the cause, but the tests were all negative. Many years later a friend asked me if I had ever used Zicam, so I was shocked when he told me about the lawsuit that had been filed. I wondered why there were [Show More]I was using Zicam nasal swabs before any lawsuits were filed. I had no idea that this could have been the reason for my loss of smell and taste. I had a multitude of tests done to try to determine the cause, but the tests were all negative. Many years later a friend asked me if I had ever used Zicam, so I was shocked when he told me about the lawsuit that had been filed. I wondered why there were never any in the store when I looked for them. I’ve recently seen they are back. I’m not sure if they’ve changed the product, but if they haven’t I advise not using them. I’ve been living with no smell or taste for 10+ years and it’s a horrible way to live. If another lawsuit is ever opened I want to be on the list to be notified. Zicam ruined my life.
PeggyJanuary 11, 2022 at 12:02 pm
I was a HUGE fan of ZICAM nose spray - couldn't figure out why I could never find it - finally decided to search via the net - low and behold found that it was recalled due to causing sense of smell - I had been wondering what happened that I lost my sense of smell to have it NEVER return - went to the hear-nose-throat doctor who wanted me to take a "scratch & sniff" nose test to the tune of $500 [Show More]I was a HUGE fan of ZICAM nose spray - couldn't figure out why I could never find it - finally decided to search via the net - low and behold found that it was recalled due to causing sense of smell - I had been wondering what happened that I lost my sense of smell to have it NEVER return - went to the hear-nose-throat doctor who wanted me to take a "scratch & sniff" nose test to the tune of $500 dollars which I declined as it would have been a waste due to complete loss of sense of smell. It is very disheartening to not be able to smell - it affects so many things.
KathrynJanuary 1, 2022 at 8:18 pm
I am 60 years old. When I was living in Missouri I started using Zicam to reduce the duration of a cold under the advice of my best friends mother in law who swore by it. Then I lost my sense of smell. I couldn’t smell cookies or cakes baking in the oven or lilacs or roses any longer. When I was in nursing school I couldn’t smell C-Diff! This is very important in healthcare. This has affected my l[Show More]I am 60 years old. When I was living in Missouri I started using Zicam to reduce the duration of a cold under the advice of my best friends mother in law who swore by it. Then I lost my sense of smell. I couldn’t smell cookies or cakes baking in the oven or lilacs or roses any longer. When I was in nursing school I couldn’t smell C-Diff! This is very important in healthcare. This has affected my life in a detrimental way. I should be compensated.
FrankDecember 27, 2021 at 10:06 am
I lost my sense of smell completely and most sense of taste the very first time I used Zicam when they first came out. It has never returned.
SusanNovember 6, 2021 at 3:51 pm
I used zicam for colds I never realized the diminished scene of smell and taste were related to zicam. Untill recently I did not know there was ever a lawsuit for it.
clarisaaOctober 31, 2021 at 1:48 am
Hi Its Oct 23 2021 when I first used it because I had a very stuffy nose. My sense of taste and smell started to diminish eventually gone to zero!! This is unbelievable I used it for 3 days because I didnt know that there have been complaints about this spray and there was no warning in the label. Anyone here who can help? Im desperate and scared I want my ability to taste and smell back!!
JenniferrJuly 5, 2021 at 5:51 pm
There needs to be a second lawsuit. I lost my sense of smell before the first suit but wasn't aware of it, just like yens of thousands of others. This is ridiculous. PLUS, they kept the product on the market and caused needless additional injuries!
PhilipFebruary 23, 2021 at 4:21 am
I'm 84. I bought Zicam when I first heard about it and it worked wonders. I never caught a cold...but I soon recognized that I couldn't smell or taste--nothing. I have a great espresso coffee maker and make a couple of espressos every morning, but after doing Zicam, there was no rich coffee smell--Nada! What a terrible, terrible OTC drug.
CherylDecember 17, 2020 at 6:13 am
I too have been adversely affected by Zicam nasal spray, as I no longer have the ability to smell/taste my own breath, and my sense of smell is diminished. The effects have been for 10+ years. When I initially noticed this, it must have been in the very beginning because at the time I did a web search and no one was reporting it enmasse as they are now, and there was no inkling of lawsuits. I wish[Show More]I too have been adversely affected by Zicam nasal spray, as I no longer have the ability to smell/taste my own breath, and my sense of smell is diminished. The effects have been for 10+ years. When I initially noticed this, it must have been in the very beginning because at the time I did a web search and no one was reporting it enmasse as they are now, and there was no inkling of lawsuits. I wish I would have been more tenacious about it back then, or as the years went by. I have suffered with sinus issues ever since. I have chronic post nasal drip in addition to the smell/taste loss. Boycott all Zicam products!
CatherineNovember 15, 2020 at 6:05 am
I used Zicam for one cold, sometime before 2010. Followed the directions. Soon after the cold was thru I noticed I kept smelling smoke, like someone had just walked past me after having a cigarette. This went on for a few weeks. Then it became the smell of smoke from a fire. Had to have my husband check the house constantly, just in case. Then it became a chemical smell... all of the time. The[Show More]I used Zicam for one cold, sometime before 2010. Followed the directions. Soon after the cold was thru I noticed I kept smelling smoke, like someone had just walked past me after having a cigarette. This went on for a few weeks. Then it became the smell of smoke from a fire. Had to have my husband check the house constantly, just in case. Then it became a chemical smell... all of the time. Then it eventually became a sweet chemical smell and eventually no smell. This took months. It is now Nov of 2020 and i basically still have no sense of smell. Some things I may be able to smell, it it’s strong enough. But most things I don’t smell. I miss smelling food cooking. Or being able to warn myself if something is wrong. Does it ever come back? This product should never have been sold and I’m surprised to see that some form of it is still on the market. I wish I had known about the class action suit when it occurred. I have to live with the results of this medication for a life time. It certainly changed my life and for the better!
WalliNovember 14, 2020 at 5:10 am
I used Zicam lozenges (not the nasal spray) for a bad cold in 2008. I lost my sense of taste and smell completely for 6 weeks. During that time I couldn’t smell anything including coffee, vinegar or bacon, for example. After researching about the time I believed the anosmia was related to the Zicam lozenges. However after joining an online anosmia support group someone mentioned taking magnesium [Show More]I used Zicam lozenges (not the nasal spray) for a bad cold in 2008. I lost my sense of taste and smell completely for 6 weeks. During that time I couldn’t smell anything including coffee, vinegar or bacon, for example. After researching about the time I believed the anosmia was related to the Zicam lozenges. However after joining an online anosmia support group someone mentioned taking magnesium for several weeks and helped restore their sense of smell. I tried that and it worked for me.
ThomasApril 8, 2020 at 4:43 am
Please would somebody find and report what exactly was the concentration of zinc gluconate in Zicam. It was obviously far above the normal physiologic limits for zinc in the tissues. How many milligrams per milliliter? What was the percentage? What was the strength? What does it say on the label? This is crucial.
JohnMarch 5, 2020 at 5:48 pm
My sense of smell has been seriously diminished for a number of years. I assumed it was the Zicam when I didn't see it on the shelves for a long time. I can detect major smells but not minor ones. My wife thinks it's odd. I like that the product does what it is meant to do, but not this side effect.
KeithDecember 13, 2019 at 12:59 am
My poor Mom lost her sense of smell years ago from this. I still have the package that caused her loss. What happened with the courts? To lose yourself sense of smell is a big deal. She cannot smell ANYTHING AT ALL!!! What about settlements? What happened with the case? Anyone know?
PamNovember 14, 2019 at 11:06 am
I lost my sense of smell years ago after using zicam for a cold.i can’t smell, occasional distorted scents. I hate it. Always throwing out food because I can’t smell it..
ChrisJuly 3, 2019 at 3:32 pm
They should have a huge warning sign in the allergies section of every store!! I've been using afrin and equate brand for a couple years never heard of this till I recently started looking it up. I've lost all sense of smell in this past year!
TracyMay 16, 2018 at 1:50 am
Hi there. So I used Zicam back when it first came out on store shelves. I was coming down with a cold and thought wow what a cool product if it shortens the cold!! Well not the case!! Immediately I had a burning sensation and I lost my sense of smell and taste!!! I went to the doctor and from the nasal spray Zicam I got a bad sinus infection and ear infection!! I was a caterer at the time and t[Show More]Hi there. So I used Zicam back when it first came out on store shelves. I was coming down with a cold and thought wow what a cool product if it shortens the cold!! Well not the case!! Immediately I had a burning sensation and I lost my sense of smell and taste!!! I went to the doctor and from the nasal spray Zicam I got a bad sinus infection and ear infection!! I was a caterer at the time and thought OMG will I be able to cook for this wedding or smell anything!?! I ended up going to the doctor 3 times and the very last time the doctor says, well I have prescribed you different things the other 2 times to get rid of your sinus infection and ear infection and now my last resort will be steroids!! So he prescribes me steroids for a week to knock it out. Well it still did not help my sense of smell and taste!! It slowly slowly came somewhat back. I still cannot smell right or taste right and it’s now 2018!! I have TINNITUS constant ringing in my ears from when I first took the nasal spray Zicam. So my hearing is bad and my brain is foggy with my concentration being off!! I will be seeking a lawyer to address this issue I have been living with for waaaay too many years now. And what’s really sad is that they are still selling it!!
AyodejiAugust 28, 2017 at 9:35 pm
I have used Zicam from the time it was introduced and still using it till today. I lost my sense of smell within a week and I have not regained it since. This has had a significant detrimental effect on how I earned my living.
rhondaAugust 15, 2017 at 5:17 pm
I used zicam one time, and lost my sense of smell. I too thought it was allergies or just my stuffed nose, but even when the cold was gone and I could breath through my nose, I smell nothing. I can sense when there is a smell in the air, but can't distinguish what it is that I am smelling. It is definitely a problem for me. I can't smell perfumes, or cat urine, or rotten food.... I have to rely [Show More]I used zicam one time, and lost my sense of smell. I too thought it was allergies or just my stuffed nose, but even when the cold was gone and I could breath through my nose, I smell nothing. I can sense when there is a smell in the air, but can't distinguish what it is that I am smelling. It is definitely a problem for me. I can't smell perfumes, or cat urine, or rotten food.... I have to rely on others.
marilynAugust 12, 2017 at 6:35 pm
This is the year 2017 and in March of this year I used Zicam nasal spray and experienced the horrible burning and then loss of taste and smell. This is August and it has not returned. Also have ongoing related problem. My doctor also thought it might be acid reflex - she never heard of Zicam problems until I informed her. Horrible living without either. I weighed 124 and am down to 116. Nothi[Show More]This is the year 2017 and in March of this year I used Zicam nasal spray and experienced the horrible burning and then loss of taste and smell. This is August and it has not returned. Also have ongoing related problem. My doctor also thought it might be acid reflex - she never heard of Zicam problems until I informed her. Horrible living without either. I weighed 124 and am down to 116. Nothing is worth eating and I only eat knowing my health is important. Is there any recourse? I've read, the product was supposed to be off the shelf but obviously it wasn't.
CarolDecember 9, 2015 at 11:38 pm
I finally saw an ENT specialist. This is years after I started losing my sense of smell. After a thorough exam he told me it was from Zicam and the sense would not return. Why so long? I had asked former doctors but was told it could be acid reflux and they knew very little about Zicam. I will live the rest of my life with the danger of no sense of smell and the loss of any pleasure in food and d[Show More]I finally saw an ENT specialist. This is years after I started losing my sense of smell. After a thorough exam he told me it was from Zicam and the sense would not return. Why so long? I had asked former doctors but was told it could be acid reflux and they knew very little about Zicam. I will live the rest of my life with the danger of no sense of smell and the loss of any pleasure in food and drink. I was not a part of this suit because of wrong information. Do I have any recourse?
DebbieJuly 9, 2014 at 3:16 am
My husband hasn't been able to smell for years and it started after using Zicam swabs. He heard about the recall afterwards, but nothing about a class action lawsuit. I know there are many more people out there in the same boat. Are there any other suits ongoing?
NancyFebruary 22, 2012 at 3:15 am
I used Zicam Nasal Gel Spray on December 2, 2011. Today is February 21, 2012 and I have not smelled or tasted a single thing since. When I first sprayed it into my nose, it was such an intense burning that it brought tears to my eyes. I was up all night trying to soothe my throat which also was burned from the spray. I cannot believe that this product is sold in reputable stores. This produc[Show More]I used Zicam Nasal Gel Spray on December 2, 2011. Today is February 21, 2012 and I have not smelled or tasted a single thing since. When I first sprayed it into my nose, it was such an intense burning that it brought tears to my eyes. I was up all night trying to soothe my throat which also was burned from the spray. I cannot believe that this product is sold in reputable stores. This product MUST be discontinued. The adverse effects are depressing and dangerous.
ChristianDecember 30, 2011 at 6:29 pm
I suffered with chronic sinus issues and purchased the Zicam nasal spray 3 years ago. My sense of smell has been reduced to 25% of what it used to be. I am only 22 years old and I am suffering with the idea that my one of my senses has been permantely damaged! Is there any way i can find more information !
DebraDecember 27, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I used the Zicam nasal spray about 3-4 years ago. I lost my sense of smell within a few days. I cannot smell burning things, most other things...not even cat urine. I smell other foods distorted. Pineapple smells like rotten food. Fried foods smell like rotten cantaloupe. After all of these years, it has not cleared up. I hate the people that made this stuff. They weren't even medical doctors nor [Show More]I used the Zicam nasal spray about 3-4 years ago. I lost my sense of smell within a few days. I cannot smell burning things, most other things...not even cat urine. I smell other foods distorted. Pineapple smells like rotten food. Fried foods smell like rotten cantaloupe. After all of these years, it has not cleared up. I hate the people that made this stuff. They weren't even medical doctors nor was the product sufficiently tested. It was a marketing gimmick. BTW, I still have my bottle locked up in my fire safe. I did file a complaint with the FDA.
tomMarch 25, 2011 at 1:19 pm
I used Zicam about 2 years ago. I still have the package and it is lot # 30574 with an expiration date of 4/10. I haven't been able to smell anything for nearly 2 years. I had thought it was an allergic reaction and that I was just stuffy all the time, and I also thought it might be the first sign of Alzheimers because I hear that loss of smell is one of the first signs. I'm 67. Now I belie[Show More]I used Zicam about 2 years ago. I still have the package and it is lot # 30574 with an expiration date of 4/10. I haven't been able to smell anything for nearly 2 years. I had thought it was an allergic reaction and that I was just stuffy all the time, and I also thought it might be the first sign of Alzheimers because I hear that loss of smell is one of the first signs. I'm 67. Now I believe it was the Zicam and I want to know if there are any class action suits on going. Thank you. Tom
JamesJanuary 23, 2011 at 8:25 pm
I also was not aware of the Zicam recall. We had a bottle of the nasal spray and I felt a cold coming on a week ago at night. I had never used it before so I tried it. After my first spray it stung like crazy. I went to bed and woke up not being able to smell or taste anything. I thought it was the cold and the product didn't work. I took more in the morning and that evening. It's been a week[Show More]I also was not aware of the Zicam recall. We had a bottle of the nasal spray and I felt a cold coming on a week ago at night. I had never used it before so I tried it. After my first spray it stung like crazy. I went to bed and woke up not being able to smell or taste anything. I thought it was the cold and the product didn't work. I took more in the morning and that evening. It's been a week and I cannot taste or smell anything. Trying to reverse these effects. Any ideas?
MatthewDecember 27, 2010 at 10:05 pm
I was not aware of the problems with the Zicam. We've had a bottle of the nasal spray type in our medicine cabinet as my wife uses it when she gets colds. I decided to try it on Friday and then again on Saturday, when I woke up Sunday I was unable to Taste my food and thought that it was probably just my cold but two days later and I still can't taste or smell. I googled Zicam and found out abo[Show More]I was not aware of the problems with the Zicam. We've had a bottle of the nasal spray type in our medicine cabinet as my wife uses it when she gets colds. I decided to try it on Friday and then again on Saturday, when I woke up Sunday I was unable to Taste my food and thought that it was probably just my cold but two days later and I still can't taste or smell. I googled Zicam and found out about the issues and lawsuits.
JeriDecember 21, 2010 at 9:03 pm
How will this affect people who have a claim but haven't filed a lawsuit yet?