I believe it was called “cold eaz” or something like that
And I believe it was a chewable zinc supplement
I believe it was sued because it was never “tested for the claims” it was making.
Teachers swore by it
Zicam
But now it is zinc free
https://www.cvs.com/shop/zicam-cold-remedy-nasal-swabs-20-ct-prodid-592275
The only clinically-proven cold shortening nasal swab. This zinc-free homeopathic formula is delivered in our proprietary swab form. These unique swabs allow for gentle application of our patented gel formula in nasal passages. Our unique plant-based formula also provides multi-symptom cold relief. Use at the first sign of a cold and go from Pre-Cold® to No Cold, Faster. CLINICALLY PROVEN...
https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=3434581&page=1
Homeopathic medicine company fights off Zicam lawsuits
August 2, 2007
“Consumers across the country have alleged in more than 400 lawsuits filed in courts and complaints logged with federal regulators that Zicam nasal gel, meant to relieve cold symptoms, has destroyed or diminished their sense of smell or taste.”
“Matrixx representatives say the controversy over Zicam boils down to one Colorado doctor, who first publicly linked Zicam to smell loss, and lawyers out to make a quick buck. Since September 2006, six federal courts have tossed out expert testimony from the doctor, Bruce Jafek, a University of Colorado School of Medicine ear, nose and throat specialist.”
http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2009/06/was-politics-involved-in-recall-of.html
Monday, June 22, 2009
Was politics involved in recall of Zicam?
First, Barack Obama began verbally going after Rush Limbaugh shortly after entering the White House.
Second, the FDA is a government agency.
Bear with me here as I work through this.
We’ve all heard about the recall of Zicam Cold Rememdy, that homeopathic medication that helps prevent or ease cold symptoms.
Zicam is advertised and promoted by conservative radio talk show king Rush Limbaugh.
Is there a connection?
A box of Zicam gel swabs sits permanently on my desk. Why? Because the stuff works! Today on Glenn Beck a woman caller said she could no longer find the product in stores. It has been removed which, in turn, removes the decision from the consumer about using the product.
Nanny state government at work once again?
My first question when hearing the recall news was, “Did consumers follow the directions?”
Along with the required warnings, directions for use read: “Apply medication just inside first nostril. ... Do not insert swab more than 1/4” past nasal opening.”
...According to Reuters:
On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned the company to stop selling nasal versions of its Zicam cold remedy and urged consumers not to use them after more than 130 people reportedly lost their sense of smell.
Shares of the company have tumbled since the warning, falling as much as 70 percent. On Thursday its shares continued to fall, trading down .3 percent at $6.11 in early afternoon on the Nasdaq.
Matrixx must seek FDA-approval if it wants to continue selling Zicam zinc products administered via the nose. Hemelt said the company was not likely to do so, saying the process would take years and be “highly expensive.”
While the company would try to convert users of Zicam’s nasal products to oral versions, it would likely see an estimated $5 million in lost sales, Hemelt said. The other $5 million in losses was likely to come from new advertising efforts to reach out to consumers, he added.
FDA’s warning applies to Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs Kids Size, but does not affect Zicam oral zinc tablets or lozenges.