Cold-Eeze

Cold-Eeze is a homeopathic, zinc-based solution that can be taken as a tablet or a nasal spray to treat symptoms of the common cold. Limited studies have found that the nasal spray reduces the duration of the common cold to less than three days, down from an average nine days. The medication works by delivering a dose of zinc gluconate to the nasal passages, throat and pharynx.

Why Prescribed

Zinc gluconate glycine, the principal ingredient in Cold-Eeze, is used to shorten the duration and minimize the symptoms associated with the common cold.

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FDA Approved Uses

The FDA is currently investigating consumer complaints that Cold-Eeze is causing anosmia, or the loss of smell and taste.

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Side Effects

The most common side effects associated with Cold-Eeze include nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal discomfort. Other adverse reactions include a metallic taste, headache and drowsiness.

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Warnings and Alerts

Recently, hundreds of consumers have claimed that taking Cold-Eeze has caused them anosmia, or a loss of smell and taste. Many Cold-Eeze users have also reported experiencing horrific, almost unbearable burning after using the nasal spray. Some scientists believe that zinc gluconate glycine, in certain quantities, can have an astringent effect that has been linked to olfactory nerve damage when applied through the nose. Furthermore, critics argue that zinc-based nasal sprays are ineffective against colds.

There are no proven treatments to restore smell, and as a result, lawsuits have been filed against Cold-Eeze maker Quigley, alleging that the company knew or should have known about the potential dangers associated with the use of nasal medications containing zinc, and that Quigley failed to provide sufficient warnings to the users of its product.

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Drug Contraindications

Zinc is contraindicated in those who are hypersensitive to any component of a zinc-containing supplement.

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FAQ's

How effective are natural remedies like zinc?

Some studies show that zinc nasal sprays help cut a cold's severity and duration. Zinc sprays may coat the cold virus and prevent it from attaching to nasal cells where they enter the body. But other studies show that zinc is no more effective than a placebo.

Is Cold-Eeze safe for pregnant women?

The recommended daily allowance for zinc increases during pregnancy from 12 mg to 25 mg per day. A daily dosage of (6) six Cold-Eeze lozenges delivers 80 mg of elemental zinc. As pre-natal vitamins contain elevated dosages of zinc, and a normal 2000-calorie diet delivers approximately 10mg of zinc per day, the addition of as few as (1) one or (2) two Cold-Eeze lozenges (13.3 mg each) may exceed upper limits for daily intake or approximately 40 mg. As with all other medications, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask a health professional before using.

What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of using Cold-Eeze?

While all medications have certain, anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to inform physicians adequately regarding the known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held responsible to patients who are injured as the result of inadequate warnings, under a legal theory known as "product liability."

If you or a loved one has used Cold-Eeze and has suffered the loss of smell or taste, contact a drug litigation attorney at once. It may be too late to recover from the debilitating effects of Cold-Eeze, but a qualified lawyer can help you recover damages for your pain and suffering.

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