Lawsuits Filed in Texas Against Matrixx Initiatives Over Zicam Cold Remedy

Several additional Zicam lawsuits have been filed in Texas by comsumers who claim the recalled nasal version of the Zicam cold remedies caused them to lose their sense of smell due to zinc exposure.  The latest Zicam lawsuits were filed in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas.

One of the Zicam lawsuits, filed on behalf of Sherrin Dawn King on July 31, claims King purchased and used Zicam’s Allergy Relief Nasal Gel Swabs to treat a cold in January 2008. The Zicam lawsuit alleges that she used the product several days in a row and that by March she had lost all sense of smell. King claims that she still has not regained her sense of smell, and that her sense of taste has also been severely impaired.

The other Zicam lawsuit, filed in the same court on August 4, claims that Maria E. Head began using Zicam nasal swabs in the late spring of 2008. The complaint alleges that after using the swabs as directed, Head experienced “a significant burning and/or stinging sensation inside her nose.”   However, because that was “followed by a slight sense of relief from her symptoms,” Head continued to use the product for several days, according to the suit.   By the third day, Head alleges that she realized she could not smell and sought medical attention.  Both plaintiffs are seeking damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, physical injuries, medical expenses, attorney fees, pre-and post judgment interest.

Since the Zicam recall and FDA warning about Zicam, Matrixx Initiatives has also been named in several class action lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who blame the nasal remedies for their loss of smell.  Matrixx Initiatives also faces a class action lawsuit filed by investors relating to the Zicam recall.