Matrixx Withheld Hundreds of Complaints About Zicam

As has been widely reported, the FDA urged consumers to stop using Zicam nasal cold remedies and warned the company to stop marketing them as well. William Hemelt, Matrixx's acting president, cheif financial and chief operating officer, said Tuesday's warning from the FDA came as a "complete surprise" to the company. Matrixx was surprised by the warning eventhough in May FDA inspectors drew attention to more than 800 complaints to the company that had not been reported to the FDA. The approximatley 800 complaints related to Zicam nasal cold remedies. Broader reporting requirements were made mandatory by new laws passed in 2007. Mr. Hemelt acknowledged the reporting requirements, but said the company did not forward the reports to the FDA based on its lawyers recommendation.

Given the serious side effects of the drug, namely loss of smell and often taste, it seems unlikely the public would have chosen to use a product whose benefits are unproven had they known of the risks. According to Reuters, it is estimated that the recall of these products could cost the company as much as $10 million. By concealing about 800 complaints about the product, it appears the makers of Zicam made a conscious choice to profits over people.