Why is the product Zicam, being defended by Rush Limbaugh?
Matrixx Initiatives Inc. said today it didn’t turn over to U.S. regulators 800 consumer complaints about side effects linked to its withdrawn Zicam nasal spray and swabs. Matrixx, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, stopped selling the cold remedies on June 16 after the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers the treatments may cause a loss of smell. Matrixx today defended its products and called the FDA warning “a surprise,” during a conference call with analysts. The FDA found 800 reports of consumer concerns in May during a routine inspection, William Hemelt, acting president and chief operating officer of Matrixx, said today during the call. Hemelt said he was told by lawyers that a 2007 regulation requiring companies to turn over reports of serious side effects didn’t apply to the complaints received by Matrixx. The recall will cost the company $10 million and will increase its product liability costs, he said. “We have complaints but we weren’t required to send them,” Hemelt said
