topic Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS in Wellness

ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Moonchilde — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 22:22:53 GMT

It's been years since I bought any zinc lozenge type product to help deal with a cold. First, for years it was believed it wasn't scientifically proven to actually work, and then, they tasted disgusting - like sucking on coins.

Fast forward a decade or two and zinc *has* been proven to have an effect on early stage colds. So, since I'm at the early/right stage for it to work (it's usually too late for me), I bought some Zicam flavored "rapid melts."

They do melt very rapidly (not at all like the hard candy type lozenges), and the taste is much better than it used to be, so at least one of my reasons for not using them is gone. Now, fingers crossed I'll get some results.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

hoosieroriginal — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 22:34:49 GMT

Thanks for the info - the old zinc tablets were yucky! They made my taste buds numb and upset my stomach.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

sandraskates — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 22:42:25 GMT

I have just finished "battling" a cold last week. It wasn't too bad as past colds and I really think it's because I took those Zicam Rapid Melts right as I felt it coming on. While I did feel a bit rundown I was still able to power through my week.

I also took Airborne.

I hated those hard zinc lozenges as they always left a bad aftertaste in my mouth. Zicam is a huge leap ahead. Warning though - I tried a Zicam generic and it was back to nasty in taste. So I stick to the real deal and keep it on-hand even if it costs more.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Moonchilde — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:04:50 GMT

I have moderate allergies and drippy sinuses throughout the year, so it's often difficult for me to differentiate between "just allergies" and a cold coming on, and by the time I realize it IS a cold I'm well into it. This time I think I caught it early enough for the zinc to have an effect, and hopefully keep me from snurffling through Thanksgiving dinner. I feel malaise-y blah, but not full-on stuffed head except intermittently. Hope it stays that way!

Biiiig difference between this stuff and original zinc candies. I also saw a bottle of zinc gummies, but didn't want it in my mouth that long ;-(

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Toppers3 — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:14:17 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
It's been years since I bought any zinc lozenge type product to help deal with a cold. First, for years it was believed it wasn't scientifically proven to actually work, and then, they tasted disgusting - like sucking on coins.

Fast forward a decade or two and zinc *has* been proven to have an effect on early stage colds. So, since I'm at the early/right stage for it to work (it's usually too late for me), I bought some Zicam flavored "rapid melts."

They do melt very rapidly (not at all like the hard candy type lozenges), and the taste is much better than it used to be, so at least one of my reasons for not using them is gone. Now, fingers crossed I'll get some results.

Hi @Moonchilde,

I'm sorry you're not feeling well, and I hope that this cold breaks soon and that you feel better very soon!

I'm so glad to hear that they have really improved this type of product!

I really laughed at your description of "sucking on coins!" That was really an apt description for it! LOL!!

I remember trying the product when it first came out too, and not only could I not handle the taste, but I also remember that it really upset my stomach. I gave up on using it again after just that single experience.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Q4u — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:27:22 GMT

We swear by the rapid-melts and think they knock off a few days of feeling like cr*p.... youngest son was about three days into a cold before we knew about it (so Mom here could recommend the zinc... but it was too late), so next time he'll have some in his medicine cabinet. The trick really is to start taking them immediately when you think you're coming down with it....

So glad you found them and hope you're feeling better really, really fast!!

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Mz iMac — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:36:54 GMT

Another old school cold remedy....

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Moonchilde — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:50:02 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
Another old school cold remedy....

My mother's recommendation (also good for menstrual cramps) was Southern Comfort sipped while sitting in a hot bath. Bit I can't get in and out of a bathtub any more ;-(

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Moonchilde — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:52:15 GMT

@Q4u wrote:
We swear by the rapid-melts and think they knock off a few days of feeling like cr*p.... youngest son was about three days into a cold before we knew about it (so Mom here could recommend the zinc... but it was too late), so next time he'll have some in his medicine cabinet. The trick really is to start taking them immediately when you think you're coming down with it....

So glad you found them and hope you're feeling better really, really fast!!

@Q4u, thank you, and I'm grateful for any improvement/help, even if small it's better than nothing!

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

dex — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:54:34 GMT

When we are getting a cold I grate some fresh ginger on my micro plane,juice half a lemon and warm some water.I add a tbsp manuka honey(from TJs) to the warm water in a mug.Add ginger and a grind of fresh pepper.We have two or three of these a day and we get well really quickly.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Moonchilde — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:55:35 GMT

@Toppers3 wrote:
@Moonchilde wrote:
It's been years since I bought any zinc lozenge type product to help deal with a cold. First, for years it was believed it wasn't scientifically proven to actually work, and then, they tasted disgusting - like sucking on coins.

Fast forward a decade or two and zinc *has* been proven to have an effect on early stage colds. So, since I'm at the early/right stage for it to work (it's usually too late for me), I bought some Zicam flavored "rapid melts."

They do melt very rapidly (not at all like the hard candy type lozenges), and the taste is much better than it used to be, so at least one of my reasons for not using them is gone. Now, fingers crossed I'll get some results.
Hi @Moonchilde,

I'm sorry you're not feeling well, and I hope that this cold breaks soon and that you feel better very soon!

I'm so glad to hear that they have really improved this type of product!

I really laughed at your description of "sucking on coins!" That was really an apt description for it! LOL!!

I remember trying the product when it first came out too, and not only could I not handle the taste, but I also remember that it really upset my stomach. I gave up on using it again after just that single experience.

Thank you, @Toppers3 :-)

It's interesting that you mention upset stomach as it's never done that to me, even in the Old Days, but I guess it is a side effect for quite a few people. Fingers crossed?

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Mz iMac — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:56:59 GMT

@Moonchilde

Menstrual cramps, my mother gave me a shot of whisky w/sugar.

Teething pain in infants - soak the ALL rubber pacifer in whisky, freeze it. Give to baby right before bed and/or after their nightly bath.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

MalteseMomma — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:16:16 GMT

I have used the regular zicam that you put in your nose at first sign of a cold for years and it really does work

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

on the bay — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 01:56:11 GMT

I used to use it all the time too until they recalled it in 2009 due to many people claiming they lost their smell. It always worked for me.

The studies now show the loss of smell is "inconclusive" but something to look out for. I find echinacea works every single time for me whenever I start to feel sick with anything. But some people don't think it works for them.

Anyway, something to think about.

Updated April 21, 2016

The research isn't conclusive, but an FDA warning indicates the potential of loss of sense of smell when using certain Zicam products.

The warning, issued on June 16, 2009, states that all consumers should discontinue using all intranasal products made by Zicam that include zinc. At the time of the issued warning, the FDA had received more than 130 complaints that the following Zicam products caused a loss of the sense of smell:

Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel (15ml)
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (20 count)
Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size (20 count)

At the same time, the FDA sent a letter to the products' manufacturer -- Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. -- advising that these products cannot be marketed without FDA approval, which they do not have (the products are currently marketed as homeopathic medications). In addition, the products have not had adequate warnings about the risk of the loss of sense of smell on their packaging and labels.

This warning is based on consumers' reports only. Those who believe they lost their sense of smell after using these products should first see their healthcare professional and then contact the FDA.

Notable Research Related to Zicam

Safety

Two notable studies have been performed and published that relate to the issue of anosmia (loss of the sense of smell). The first was performed by Dr. Burton Slotnick and tested the effect of zinc sulfate, which is different from the zinc gluconate in Zicam, on the smell center in mice.

That study found that there was a temporary loss of the sense of smell when mice were given high doses of zinc sulfate.

The second study was also performed by Dr. Slotnick and a group of researchers, but was supported in part by a grant from Matrixx. This more recent study tested the effect of zinc gluconate, the active ingredient in Zicam, on mice.

The results of that study showed that there was only a partial and temporary loss of the sense of smell in mice when given extremely large doses (much higher than the normal dose for humans). However, the damage was reversed within a couple of weeks.

It is important to point out that both of these studies were performed on mice; we must be cautious when applying results of testing on animals to humans. Because there have been no large-scale studies examining this matter performed on humans, we cannot say conclusively that the product either causes or does not cause anosmia in humans.

Efficacy

Neither Zicam nor Cold-Eeze is regulated by the FDA, yet both claim to shorten the duration of the common cold. The manufacturer claims that this was proven in a study by the Cleveland Clinic, a research facility. However, according to the study, the effects of zinc nasal spray on the common cold are still inconclusive.

Previous Headlines

Hundreds of people were involved in the lawsuit against the manufacturers of Zicam and Cold-Eeze nasal gels, claiming that they lost their sense of smell after using the product, which was settled in January 2006.

In a $12 million settlement, the company admitted no wrongdoing or admission that their products caused loss of the sense of smell.

This lawsuit spurred a lot of conversation about these products; I have personally received numerous emails from people who say that they, too, have lost their sense of smell after using Zicam.

My Thoughts

The lack of a large-scale study on these medications is concerning. It is best not to use these products until there is further investigation.

Sources:

McBride K, Slotnick B, Margolis FL. Does intranasal application of zinc sulfate produce anosmia in the mouse? An olfactometric and anatomical study. Chem Senses. 2003 Oct;28(8):659-70.

Mossad, Sherif B. "Upper Respiratory Tract Infections." The Cleveland Clinic Disease Management Project 29 July 2005. 03 Nov 2006.

Slotnick B, Sanguino A, Husband S, Marquino G, Silberberg A. Olfaction and olfactory epithelium in mice treated with zinc gluconate. Laryngoscope. 2007 Apr;117(4):743-9.

"Warnings on Three Zicam Intranasal Zinc Products." FDA Consumer Updates 16 June 09. US Food and Drug Administration. 16 June 09.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Moonchilde — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 02:17:26 GMT

My Thoughts:

Since I'm not using the nasal spray and have no plans to, the information provided is of very limited importance/interest to me personally. I would think that any thinking person who was using the nasal spray (or any other item) and started to notice a loss of sense of smell with/after using it would...stop using it. But maybe that's just me.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

MalteseMomma — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 15:13:02 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:

My Thoughts:

Since I'm not using the nasal spray and have no plans to, the information provided is of very limited importance/interest to me personally. I would think that any thinking person who was using the nasal spray (or any other item) and started to notice a loss of sense of smell with/after using it would...stop using it. But maybe that's just me.

@Moonchilde

Maybe someone might think they lost their sense of smell because of the cold they have

. In any case I think that post was very informative,since I always use Zicam nasal products

Thank you @on the bay

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

on the bay — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 15:48:36 GMT

@MalteseMomma~

I did read that some were wondering if it was a cold that was naturally preventing them from smell but the concerns from those that reported it amd doctors was that the loss of smell continued after they were better and can linger or be permanent. But again ,the studies were not conclusive.

They only mention Zicam but I wonder if this info applies to all nasal sprays, though others were not taken off the market.

@Moonchilde~

I don't think I would be one to notice it was the Zicam that affected my smell. If something starts bothering me I try to think what have I eaten,taken,done, that may have caused it and more times than not find the answer but I think I might not have connected the spray with this symptom cause it was afterwards that it kept lingering.

I probably would have thought there was something wrong with my nose or the cold wasn't over with. Its good though if you can recognize the cause right away though you can't always determine it so soon.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

momtochloe — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 16:11:55 GMT

I am a big fan of the nasal swabs. My stomach can't take the lozenges or sprays but for me the swabs work great. I am very lucky that I don't catch colds too often but when I do I always have a supply of these on hand.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

Toppers3 — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:38:57 GMT

@dex wrote:
When we are getting a cold I grate some fresh ginger on my micro plane,juice half a lemon and warm some water.I add a tbsp manuka honey(from TJs) to the warm water in a mug.Add ginger and a grind of fresh pepper.We have two or three of these a day and we get well really quickly.

Thanks for sharing your recipe, @dex.

Thanks for letting us know that TJ's has the Manuka Honey, too.

I have been wanting to get some.

We don't have a TJ's close to us.

We have to drive quite a ways to get to one in either direction, meaning we either have to go farther north in WI, or go down into IL to go to one.

We usually wait to go when we feel like taking a little road trip so that we can do a little shopping in the area when we go.

I wish that we had one closer, but like anything else, I think that they build according to demographics.

Re: ZICAM RAPID-MELTS

dex — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 18:49:02 GMT

@Toppers3 If you are up to it a TJs road trip could be fun.They have a lot of seasonal items in store right now and it is hard to stick to the essentials.you can order the honey online from amazon if you can't find any.I love this honey because it seems to cure what ever I use it for.This is gross so sorry but I had a soft corn between my toes that was causing a lot of pain.The podiatrist wanted to remove it surgically but I thought I would try the honey first.I applied it every night and for some reason it made the corn hurt worse.Just when I was about to give up the corn started peeling off.That was over a year ago and it has not returned.I also use it for really dry lips and cold sores.