FDA Says Homeopathic Cure Can Cause Loss of Smell

Hugh Pickens writes "The FDA has advised consumers to stop using Matrixx Initiatives' Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel marketed over-the-counter as a cold remedy because it is associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia) that may be long-lasting or permanent. The FDA says about 130 consumers have reported a loss of smell after using the homeopathic cure containing zinc, an ingredient scientists say may damage nerves in the nose needed for smell and health officials say they have asked Matrixx executives to turn over more than 800 consumer complaints concerning lost smell that the company has on file. 'Loss of the sense of smell is potentially life-threatening and may be permanent,' said Dr. Charles Lee. 'People without the sense of smell may not be able to detect life-dangerous situations, such as gas leaks or something burning in the house.' The FDA said the remedy was never formally approved because it is part of a small group of remedies known as homeopathic products that are not required to undergo federal review before launching. The global market for homeopathic drugs is about $200 million per year, according to the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacists. Matrixx has settled hundreds of lawsuits connected with Zicam in recent years, but says it 'will seek a meeting with the FDA to vigorously defend its scientific data, developed during more than 10 years of experience with the products, demonstrating their safety.'"

Comments

Re:Zicam is not homeopathic...

[artor3]

Well, you're right that it's not really homeopathic, but you're wrong about it never being marketed as such. In fact, the word "Homeopathic" appears right on the front of the box, as is plainly visible here.

However, the concentration of the active ingredient is around 2%, whereas the concentration in a true homeopathic "cure" would be approximately 0%. Basically, they marketed an unproven drug as homeopathic, when it wasn't, in order to get around FDA regulations.

Re:It's not really homeopathic

[MeatBag PussRocket]

the interesting thing is that the placebo effect (which you are basically describing) is a very well documented medical fact. in some studies the placebo is actually more effective than the drug being tested, and its not because the drug sucks or that people are faking it. there is a huge misconception and stigma surrounding placebos. MDs prescribe them regularly. they _WORK_ . sure, its basically fooling your brain, but whats wrong with that? if you have a neuralgia or pain or dysfunction and somebody gives you a pill and the condition improves, what does it matter what the pill is made of? placebos should be preferred as they dont have side effects.