I've been taking Zicam lozenges, a homeopathic treatment for colds, for the past couple days. This morning I heard that Zicam (nasal application) can cause loss of the sense of smell. 130 cases in the last 10 years. Those products have been removed from the market and the FDA spoke out against Zicam:

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The agency says that since 1999, it has received more than 130 reports of loss of smell associated with Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel; Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs; and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, kids size. The products have been linked to long-lasting or permanent loss of smell called anosmia. In some cases, the loss of smell occurred after the first dose.

"Loss of sense of smell is a serious risk for people who use these products for relief from cold symptoms," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "We are concerned that consumers may unknowingly use a product that could cause serious harm, and therefore we are advising them not to use these products for any reason."

CNN report on Zicam

I then looked up side effects of Lipitor, the popular prescription medication that reduces cholesterol. The following is just the beginning of a long list of possible side effects. (Apparently this is the list physicians receive. Consumers get far less information):

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Body as a Whole: Chest pain, face edema, fever, neck rigidity, malaise, photosensitivity reaction, generalized edema.

Digestive System: Nausea, gastroenteritis, liver function tests abnormal, colitis, vomiting, gastritis, dry mouth, rectal hemorrhage, esophagitis, eructation, glossitis, mouth ulceration, anorexia, increased appetite, stomatitis, biliary pain, cheilitis, duodenal ulcer, dysphagia, enteritis, melena, gum hemorrhage, stomach ulcer, tenesmus, ulcerative stomatitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholestatic jaundice.

Respiratory System: Bronchitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, dyspnea, asthma, epistaxis.

Nervous System: Insomnia, dizziness, paresthesia, somnolence, amnesia, abnormal dreams, libido decreased, emotional lability, incoordination, peripheral neuropathy, torticollis, facial paralysis, hyperkinesia, depression, hypesthesia, hypertonia.

Lipitor side effects

What's wrong with this picture? And why do we put up with it?



Last edited by Almost Naomi; 07/01/09 12:09 PM.
"Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace." ...Albert Schweitzer