When your nose is all blocked because of a cold, you can get the relief you need from a nasal spray. However, with so many types of nasal sprays available, you should take time to understand them. It is essential to learn how to use a nasal spray and to differentiate between success or failure in clearing your nose. Despite the effectiveness of nasal sprays, they could pose a risk to their users if they are defective. If you suffer damages due to a faulty nasal spray, Consumer Alert Now can help you file a mass tort against the nasal spray manufacturer.

Types of Nasal Sprays

Nasal sprays fall under four main categories:

  • Decongestants
  • Salt-water/ saline nasal sprays
  • Steroid nasal sprays
  • Antihistamines

You can buy decongestants over the counter or through a doctor's prescription. Decongestants narrow the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This helps get rid of the nose's stuffiness. The decongestant shrinks the swollen tissues in the nose. It is advisable not to use a decongestant for more than three days. Prolonged use of decongestants could make cold symptoms worse. The worsening of the cold symptoms due to prolonged use of decongestants is known as a rebound effect. 

The salt-water nasal sprays are also known as saline sprays. You do not require a doctor's prescription to purchase the saline nasal sprays. Saline nasal sprays help to loosen mucus and prevent it from crusting. The salt-water nasal sprays do not contain any medication. Therefore, you can use the nasal sprays for as long as you like without experiencing adverse effects.

You can acquire the steroid nasal sprays over-the-counter or through your doctor's prescription.  The steroid nasal sprays come in handy in relieving allergy symptoms. The steroid nasal sprays are also useful in clearing a stuffy nose mainly due to a sinus infection. 

When you have a runny or congested nose, the quality of your life might be highly affected. It is normal to turn to nasal sprays for relief. Congestion occurs due to the inflammation of the nasal passages. Passages are the hollow and the air-filled cavities in the nose. The decongestant nasal sprays (DNS) provide instant relief because they shrink the nasal passages' blood vessels.

Prolonged use of DNS may cause rebound congestion, which is congestion resulting from medication. You may also develop a tolerance for nasal sprays meaning that you have to use a higher dose of medication to get the relief you require. Developing tolerance to drugs may lead to dependence.

Any kind of medication inhaled through the nose is a nasal spray. Nasal sprays come in handy in treating running, and congested noses or allergies have active ingredients from steroids, antihistamines, saline, and decongestants.

Saline Nasal Sprays

Saline nasal sprays function in the same manner as salty-water, and they help clear the nasal passages. They also help to rinse off the irritants and germs that enter your nose whenever you breathe. The saline nasal sprays act in the same manner as the mucus produced by the nose to flush out pollutants and irritants. The nasal spray helps remove foreign particles and irritants from the nose and prevent them from irritating the nose.  The saline nasal sprays also help to remove excess mucus from the nose.

It is important to note that saline nasal sprays contain certain preservatives. The preservatives can irritate, especially if you have nose inflammation or damage. However, the saline nasal sprays will add healing moisture to your nose if the nose is irritated due to dry winter air.

Steroid Nasal Sprays

The steroid nasal sprays contain corticosteroids, which help to reduce the inflammation in the nasal passages. Steroid nasal sprays are the ideal solution if you suffer from chronic congestion caused by irritants or allergies. You may acquire the steroid nasal sprays through a doctor's prescription or over-the-counter. 

Some of the common brands of steroid nasal sprays used in the United States are Nasacort and Flonase. In adults, steroid nasal sprays are safe for long-term use. Some of the common side effects of the steroid nasal sprays are:

  • Burning and stinging in the nasal passages
  • Sneezing
  • Irritation in the throat

Antihistamine Nasal Sprays

Certain nasal sprays contain antihistamines that work to reduce the congestion that arises from an allergic immune response. Antihistamine nasal sprays containing Astepro and Astelin are the most common, and medics consider them safe. However, despite being safe, antihistamines nasal sprays have potential side effects, which include:

  • Bitter taste
  • Weight gain
  • Tiredness
  • Nasal burning
  • Muscle pain

Decongestants Nasal Sprays

Commonly abbreviated as DNS, decongestant nasal sprays contain oxymetazoline.  They function by constricting your blood vessels within the nasal passages. The decongestants are ideal for flu, colds, and other short-term complications. Nasal congestion occurs due to swollen nasal passages that make the nose feel blocked. Nasal swelling also leads to excessive production of mucus, causing a runny nose. When the DNS constricts your blood vessels, swelling goes down, and this reduces mucus production.

Some of the potential side effects of decongestants use are:

  • Burning
  • Increased mucus
  • Stinging
  • Sneezing
  • Dryness in the nose
  • Nervousness
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Certain side effects of nasal sprays may be severe and call for immediate medical attention. For instance, you may experience a faster or a slower pulse rate after using a decongestant.

Using DNS for too long will lead to more congestion rather than relief from nose blockage. The more you rely on DNS, the more likely you are to develop tolerance. You will require more frequent or larger doses of the decongestant to get the desired relief.

Immediately after you use a decongestant, it shrinks the blood vessels in your nasal passages. However, when the drug in the nasal passages wears off, the nasal passages swell again. Therefore, you will experience withdrawal congestion, and you have to apply the decongestant again to continue breathing well.

How to Use Nasal Sprays

When using a nasal spray, the first step should be to blow your nose as this will help clear the passageways. Before using the spray, you should ensure that you read through the manufacturer's requirements. Remove the cap from the bottle and shake the nasal spray before use.  When using the spray, you should start by blocking one nose using your finger. Place your finger lightly over the nose. Place the opening of the nasal spray bottle beneath your open nostril. Ensure that you place your thumb at the bottom of the bottle. 

Squeeze the nasal spray pump as you breathe in gently. Switch to the other nose and repeat the procedure. You should avoid blowing your nose right after applying the nasal spray.  You should also ensure that you do not sneeze immediately after applying the nasal spray. Taking these precautions to ensure that you retain the nasal spray in your nose.

Different nasal sprays come with varying instructions regarding their usage. It is crucial to ensure that you always comply with the manufacturer's or your doctor's instructions. Ensure that you do not use the nasal spray for a longer period than recommended. 

Who Should Avoid Nasal Sprays

The majority of over-the-counter decongestants are not ideal for children. Therefore, before introducing your child to nasal sprays, it is crucial to ensure that you read all the labels carefully and consult a pediatrician. If you have high blood pressure, it is advisable to avoid using certain nasal sprays. Some nasal sprays may increase your pulse rate and raise your high blood pressure. Certain nasal sprays could also make you feel nervous and dizzy. It is also possible for a nasal spray to make it hard for you to sleep.

Certain nasal sprays and decongestants might interfere with other medications that you might be taking. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using nasal sprays if you are on other drugs. Steroid nasal sprays could also lead to nosebleeds, and on some rare occasions, they could make you lose your sense of smell.

Signs of Nasal Spray Overuse

How can you tell that you are over-relying on nasal sprays or that you have become dependent on nasal sprays? Some of the signs that you are over-using a nasal spray are:

  • You have used the nasal spray for more than one week
  • You depend on the nasal spray more frequently than recommended
  • Your nose gets congested when you skip a dosage of the nasal spray or when you stop using the nasal spray

Nose congestion after stopping a nasal spray usage is the apparent sign of over-reliance on nasal sprays. You may experience additional withdrawal symptoms like:

  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Sinus infection

Nasal Sprays Recalls and Lawsuits

In the United States, the FDA has issued a recall to certain nasal sprays due to the high risks they pose to their users. Certain brands of nasal sprays pose a risk because they have high levels of desmopressin. Desmopressin, an active ingredient in many nasal sprays, may cause patients to experience extreme health consequences. Some nasal sprays may even lead to severe commas or death.

On August 5, 2020, FDA announced a recall of a nasal spray manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. This was following routine testing that revealed high amounts of super potency of Desmopressin that could pose a risk to users. Some of the specific signs of Desmopressin overdose are:

  • Continuing headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Weight gain
  • Problems with passing urine

If a patient has a low sodium level in the blood, they might be at risk of experiencing seizures, coma, and even death. Desmopressin is an artificial hormone designed to regulate water usage by the body. Health officials have become aware of the adverse effects of this hormone. This discovery is behind the recall of nasal sprays that contain Desmopressin.

The nasal spray recall revolved around:

  • DDAVP Nasal sprays
  • Acetate nasal sprays
  • Stimate nasal spray

All the nasal sprays mentioned above were being sold at the consumer level. The DDAVP and Desmopressin nasal sprays are used for patients suffering from central cranial diabetes insipidus. The medics use the nasal sprays for fluid control replacement therapy in these patients. The nasal sprays were also used in the management of people with urinary complications.

Stimate nasal sprays were used for patients with Willebrand's disease and genetic disorders. This is a bleeding disorder that occurs due to low amounts of clotting protein in the blood.

The Ferring Pharmaceuticals in the U.S. based in Parsippany, New Jersey, was responsible for the manufacture of the recalled nasal sprays. After the recall, Ferring Pharmaceuticals reached out to its distributors, both retail and wholesale, and instructed them to check if they had stocks of the recalled nasal sprays.

The manufacturer urged the distributors to return the recalled nasal sprays. You should contact your healthcare provider immediately after experiencing the adverse effects of nasal sprays. Ensure that you inform your healthcare provider about all the adverse health consequences and complications.

CVS Nasal Spray Recall

On August 8, a CVS nasal spray recall was issued. After some tests, this is revealed that the nasal spray was contaminated with pathogens that could be life-threatening to certain people. If you or a loved one has suffered complications due to CVS nasal spray, you should talk to an attorney to help you file a mass tort for the damages. The Product Quest Manufacture is responsible for manufacturing the CVS sinus nasal mist. Product Quest Manufacturing recalled the CVS nasal spray that was already at the consumer level.

Experts found microbial contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the testing. On August 8, the FDA gave a statement regarding the use of nasal sprays with contaminations. FDA states that the presence of pathogens in nasal sprays could lead to colonization and subsequent infection. To certain people, colonization and subsequent infection with pathogens could be life-threatening.

The people at the highest risk of injury due to nasal spray contamination have a compromised immune system. P. aeruginosa is a typical disease-causing pathogen. If this pathogen gets into the bloodstream, it might have various effects, including:

  • Fever and chills
  • Light headaches
  • Body aches
  • Decreased urination
  • Inflamed wound site
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Ear infection

More than 16,000 units of the CVS nasal sprays were recalled.

Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Products Recall

The FDA also warned consumers against the use of Zicam cold remedy nasal products. Matrixx Initiatives marketed the products. The zinc-containing nasal products came in handy in reducing cold symptoms. However, the products were associated with long-term or permanent loss of smell, commonly known as anosmia.

In total, the FDA received 130 cases of anosmia from people who had lost their sense of sale after the first dose of the nasal spray. Other people experienced anosmia after repeated use of the nasal spray.

The loss of smell can affect the quality of your life. You may not be able to identify hazardous smells like gas or smoke. You may also not be able to detect the foul smell from rotten food. The sense of smell is linked to the sense of taste. Therefore, you are likely to lose the pleasure of eating after you lose your sense of smell. You should speak to an attorney if you suffer a loss of the sense of smell after using a nasal spray.

Matrixx had received hundreds of reports regarding people who lost their sense of smell after using the Zicam nasal products. However, Matrixx believed that the recall issued by the FDA was unwarranted. However, they still agreed to remove the nasal spray from the stores.

Fluticasone Nasal Spray Recall

The recall of the widely used Fluticasone nasal spray was due to small glass particles in the spray bottle. The Fluticasone nasal spray is mainly used in treating hay fever in children. The brand name for the nasal spray is Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray. Apotex Corp manufactures it. The company pulled the nasal spray from the market voluntarily.

Reports were that the glass particles could clog the nasal spray bottle and prevent it from functioning properly. Most importantly, the glass particles posed a hazard while introduced into the nose. These glass particles often blocked the actuator and impacted the functionality of the nasal spray pump.

The recall was to prevent patients from exposure to glass particles and mechanical irritation. The defective product posed a risk of causing local trauma to the nasal mucosa. The recall required all patients, retailers, wholesalers, hospitals, and other institutions with the spray to halt its use and distribution.

The fluticasone propionate nasal spray is ideal for patients suffering from sinus pain, seasonal allergies, stuffy nose, and sneezing. The spray also helps with itchy or watery eyes.

Filing a Mass Tort Due to Defective Nasal Sprays

Personal injury lawsuits in California are not restricted to individuals. A group of plaintiffs can file a lawsuit collectively. A case filed collectively by plaintiffs who have suffered damages due to a common drug is a mass tort. A mass tort is a civil action that includes several plaintiffs against one or several liable parties.

According to California law, persons or consumers who suffer injuries due to a defective or faulty product have a right to seek compensation. The victims can file a mass tort against the product manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or distributor. Filing a mass tort is usually a complicated legal process. However, if a plaintiff knows what to do and seeks a competent attorney's help, they can file the mass tort conveniently.

Mass tort claims are among the most complicated personal injury claims. Therefore, if you consider whether to participate in a mass tort due to defective nasal spray, you should ensure that you have a competent attorney to represent you.  Without the help of a qualified attorney, you might not receive the compensation that you deserve. 

The court considers many unique factors when handling mass tort cases. Hundreds of thousands of plaintiffs might have suffered damages due to the negligence of one or several defendants. You should be in a position to protect your rights to get the settlement you deserve.

A mass tort claim proceeds in an entirely different manner than a personal injury claim. The victims involved might be from other counties or states. In this case, plaintiffs have to coordinate their cases or filings. The United States law has different procedures and rules that govern mass tort litigation.

Getting a Fair Compensation

When the defendant, nasal spray manufacturer or distributor, admits fault in a mass tort filing, the compensation typically goes to a common pool. The payment is then shared among the plaintiff, depending on their level of damages. 

A victim requires representation by a competent attorney to recover the deserved compensation from the settlement pool. You need to have all your damages documented and represented in court. The defendant must provide sufficient compensation to cover the damages of all the victims involved.

The Statute of Limitations for Mass Tort Cases

If you suffer injuries due to a defective drug like a nasal spray, you should have an attorney evaluate your case immediately. There are some time limits that you have to honor. You will have a defined period from the time of suffering the damage to seeking compensation.

Different states in the U.S. have various statutes of limitations governing mass tort lawsuits. For example, in California, you have to file a mass tort within two years from the injury date. Filing a case too late might lead to dismissal of the case. You should consult your mass tort attorney regarding the applicable statute of limitations in your state.

The court often considers several factors when handling mass tort cases:

  • The number of plaintiffs involved
  • The geographical location of the plaintiffs
  • Whether the plaintiffs suffered similar injuries
  • Whether the plaintiffs' injuries are due to the same product or a common traumatic event

When the court approves a mass tort, it assigns the case to a judge and issues a notice of the media's mass tort. The court notice allows other persons who have suffered harm due to the same product to join the mass tort if they desire. 

Find a Mass Tort Attorney Near Me

The experienced mass tort attorneys at Consumer Alert Now have assisted many victims of defective products, including nasal sprays, to seek compensation for their damages. We have recovered billions of dollars for plaintiffs from negligence manufacturers, distributors, and sellers. If you suffer damages due to a defective nasal spray, you should contact us at 800-511-0747 and speak to one of our attorneys. We will explore your legal rights and options and help you file or join a mass tort.