Zicam Cold Remedy Should Stop Being Used Says FDA

Greg Webb — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:14:43 GMT

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated via a press release today that consumers should stop using three over-the-counter Zicam Cold Remedy products, including: nasal gel, nasal swabs and the "kids size" swabs (which were discontinued). The reason for the FDA warning is because these products can cause the loss of smell, or "anosmia", which could be permanent.

Anyone who has experienced problems after using the Zicam products should immediately contact a doctor. The loss of smell, while obviously affecting one's quality of life, can be dangerous as well, eliminating one of the senses that protects us from danger.

The FDA does not officially have oversight power over Zicam's manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives out of Arizona, because Zicam is considered a "remedy" rather than a drug. This is further evidence of the need to regulate the herbal remedy and supplement industry, which may be a ticking timebomb waiting to go off. The fact that these manufacturers have what amounts to a blank check with regard to the products they produce is astounding, not to mention many of the claims they make regarding their products.

Matrixx claims that Zicam is safe and that the allegations are "scientifically unfounded and misleading". Matrixx concedes that about 130 consumers have reported loss of smell since 1999 after using Zicam products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Webb

FDA Says Stop Using Popular Weight Loss Supplement Hydroxycut

Greg Webb — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:13:01 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it has received 23 reports of serious liver injuries related to peoples' use of Hydroxycut products. Hydroxycut products are widely used dietary supplements for weight loss. The products are also used as "energy enhancers" and "fat burners".

The liver damage reports obtained by the FDA include problems ranging from jaundice to an injury so severe it required a liver transplant. There are also reports of seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomy olysis (which can lead to kidney failure).

The recalled products include Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Carb Control and Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets. For more information on this recall, see the FDA website at www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02006.html

The products are manufactured by lovate Health Sciences in Ontario, Canada. The company is pulling 14 products, although the FDA says that not all of the products have been shown to be dangerous.

The products recalled contain a number of different ingredients, including herbal extracts. Dietary supplements do not require the same level of scrutiny before being sold to the public that pharmaceutical drugs require in the U.S.. Many consumer advocates have argued for years that there needs to be better governmental oversight of these industries. It seems that this latest incident is further evidence of the latter.

The FDA states that any people who have taken the recalled products should immediately see a physician if they have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach pain, itching, or loss of appetite, all of which may be indicators of a liver injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Greg Webb

Charlottesville Personal Injury Lawyer - herbal

Zicam Cold Remedy Should Stop Being Used Says FDA

FDA Says Stop Using Popular Weight Loss Supplement Hydroxycut