This week the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory urging consumers to stop using three Zicam product because they are associated with more than a hundred cases if anosomia -- a loss of smell that can be permanent.

The products associated with anosomia include Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. The FDA says they have received 130 complaints of such an effect which they report can happen after one or many doses depending on the person.

On Tuesday the FDA sent a warning letter to the maker of the Zicam products -- Matrixx Initiatives. The letter stated that the products are associated with adverse health events and cannot be marketed without FDA approval. On Wednesday Matrixx said they would voluntarily recall the products although they maintain they are safe.

Other Recent Living the Science News:
Vitamin Supplementation During Pregnancy Helps Fetal Growth
Senate Passes Historic Tobacco Bill
Endocrine Experts Call for More Research on Bisphenol A (BPA)