Honestly, I haven't heard many good things about Zicam. The FDA does not regulate this product, and the only ones touting it's effectiveness are: the manufacturers and advertisers of Zicam. Studies have shown little to no benefit on Zicam's effectiveness in lessening the length or severity of cold symptoms.
Did you know that Zicam was in a lawuit a few years ago? Here is the Washington Post article. In fact, the article states, "Officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say they have received adverse reports involving Zicam, which was invented by several California entrepreneurs with credentials unusual for drug developers."
The ingredients in Zican (zinc gluconate) are similar to those found in Cold-Eeze, which has been pulled from the market.
The best source of information on drugs & supplements is Medline Plus, and here's what they say about zinc and its use for the Common Cold. It earned a "C" rating for this condition:
"There are conflicting results regarding the effect of zinc formulations in treating duration and severity of common cold symptoms. Although zinc might be beneficial in the treatment of cold symptoms, more studies are needed to clarify which zinc formulations may be most effective, which rhinoviruses are affected by zinc, and if nasal sprays provide a useful alternative application route for zinc treatment. A recent study found no significant differences between zinc nasal spray and placebo.Negative results may be caused by using doses of zinc that are too low or they may be affected by the presence of compounds like citric or tartaric acid, which may reduce efficacy due to chelating of the zinc ion."
Lastly, to answer your question about possible side effects, there is no mention of migraines:
"Zinc is regarded as a relatively safe and generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses, and few studies report side effects. Occasionally, adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea have been observed.
Unpleasant taste, taste distortion, and abdominal cramping have been occasionally reported, especially in studies examining the efficacy of zinc containing lozenges in treating symptoms of common cold..."
Zinc has been shown to have drug interactions, so it is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacy about this and other prescription and non-prescription drugs and supplements you are taking! (I know you know this already!)
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Honestly, I haven't heard many good things about Zicam. The FDA does not regulate this product, and the only ones touting it's effectiveness are: the manufacturers and advertisers of Zicam. Studies have shown little to no benefit on Zicam's effectiveness in lessening the length or severity of cold symptoms.
Did you know that Zicam was in a lawuit a few years ago? Here is the Washington Post article. In fact, the article states, "Officials at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say they have received adverse reports involving Zicam, which was invented by several California entrepreneurs with credentials unusual for drug developers."
The ingredients in Zican (zinc gluconate) are similar to those found in Cold-Eeze, which has been pulled from the market.
The best source of information on drugs & supplements is Medline Plus, and here's what they say about zinc and its use for the Common Cold. It earned a "C" rating for this condition:
"There are conflicting results regarding the effect of zinc formulations in treating duration and severity of common cold symptoms. Although zinc might be beneficial in the treatment of cold symptoms, more studies are needed to clarify which zinc formulations may be most effective, which rhinoviruses are affected by zinc, and if nasal sprays provide a useful alternative application route for zinc treatment. A recent study found no significant differences between zinc nasal spray and placebo.Negative results may be caused by using doses of zinc that are too low or they may be affected by the presence of compounds like citric or tartaric acid, which may reduce efficacy due to chelating of the zinc ion."
Lastly, to answer your question about possible side effects, there is no mention of migraines:
"Zinc is regarded as a relatively safe and generally well tolerated when taken at recommended doses, and few studies report side effects. Occasionally, adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea have been observed.
Unpleasant taste, taste distortion, and abdominal cramping have been occasionally reported, especially in studies examining the efficacy of zinc containing lozenges in treating symptoms of common cold..."
Zinc has been shown to have drug interactions, so it is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacy about this and other prescription and non-prescription drugs and supplements you are taking! (I know you know this already!)
What are your thoughts?
February 8, 2009 - 8:23pmThis Comment
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