DENVER -- There's new information on a cold spray that hundreds of consumers claim caused them to lose their sense of smell. 7NEWS Investigator John Ferrugia broke the story about these claims earlier this year and now, another popular medication is coming under scrutiny.

Hundreds of consumers have reported losing their sense of smell after using over-the-counter nose sprays containing zinc gluconate. Most reported using the intranasal spray made by Zicam, although there also have been complaints about a similar product made by Cold-Eeze.

Dr. Miriam Linschoten is part of a team at the University of Colorado Taste and Smell clinic that has identified the problem and recently published its findings, after a review by other experts in the field, in the prestigious American Journal of Rhinology, which addresses issues involving the nose.

"We felt it was important to let other workers in the field know that zinc gluconate could have this effect on the sense of smell," said Linschoten.

Based on its research, the CU team believes consumers should be wary of using the intranasal spray.

"We believe that zinc ions, when you put them directly on the olfactory epithelium -- the part of the nose, the tissue in the nose that contains the receptor cells for smelling -- that you run the risk of destroying those cells," said Linschoten.

So far, the 60 or so patients the team at CU has interviewed or examined have not regained their sense of smell. But the Food and Drug Administration has taken no action, clearly waiting for more conclusive research.

It's research the team at CU now hopes others in the field will also undertake.

More than 260 consumers have filed lawsuits alleging that the makers of either Zicam or the Cold-Eeze zinc gluconate spray are selling a harmful product. Both companies say their products are safe. Even so, the maker of Zicam has formed its own panel to investigate the claims.

If you have had problems with the nasal zinc products, the FDA wants to hear from you. You can call toll-free (888) INFO-FDA or (888) 463-6332 or fill out a special form on the FDA's Web site.

If you have a tip for the investigators, call (303) 832-TIPS or e-mail us at Newstips@TheDenverChannel. com.

Additional Resources:

Have You Had Similar Problems? Submit A Report To The FDA

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Cold-Eeze's Web site
Zicam's Web site
University of Colorado: Department Of Otolaryngology
University Of Connecticut Taste and Smell Center