US tells Zicam maker to stop selling some products

U.S. regulators warned Matrixx Initiatives to stop selling intranasal versions of its zinc-containing Zicam cold remedy, following more than 130 reports of people losing their sense of smell after using the products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also urged consumers to stop taking the over-the-counter products, agency officials said on a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.

Matrixx shares fell 55 percent to $8.56 on Nasdaq.

The company must seek FDA approval if it wants to continue selling the Zicam zinc products that are administered through the nose, agency officials said.

Company representatives did not immediately respond to requests for a comment. Matrixx has repeatedly defended the products in the past, saying there was no direct link between Zicam and loss of smell.

The FDA warning applies to Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. A public health advisory posted on the FDA website said the products “have all been associated with long lasting or permanent loss of smell” and “have not been shown to be effective in the reduction of the duration and severity of cold symptoms.”

The action does not affect Zicam oral zinc tablets or lozenges, the FDA said.

WASHINGTON (Reuters)