New scientific research from the University of Washington has revealed that Zicam use can permanently damage the nasal tissues leading to a partial or full loss of the sense of smell. The new findings were published on the Public Library of Science website.
Zicam Cold Remedy was pulled from the market on June 15, 2009 after the FDA received reports of Zicam users losing their sense of smell. Zincum gluconicum, the active ingredient in Zicam, has also been linked to a caustic effect on the nasal passages, which if used over a length of time can cause a loss of the sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia.