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Afrin Nose Spray & Smell Loss

I've got a bit of a cold and it's allergy/pollen season here in Atlanta so that's not helping either, but I have used Afrin very sparingly over the past couple of days to help with symptoms. I have not used Zicam spray, I've read those can cause damage to olfactory nerves. I did notice yesterday that my sense of smell was gone although I could still breathe through my nose (still a bit congested, but able to breathe). My question is, has Afrin ever been known to cause loss of smell? Is this a temporary thing just due to sinus inflammation or has the Afrin permanently damaged something? I'm a 28 year old male and I've never experienced such a drastic loss of smell. Any help?
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Avatar universal
I starting using Afrin for the first time about 2 weeks ago due to severe nasal congestion. At first it was great, it really worked. Until...about a week into using it, I completely lost my sense of smell and taste. I stopped immediately. That was about a week ago. I visited my doctor yesterday and she said she's had numerous patients that have come to her with the same thing. She told me "Afrin is the devil." When she looked up my nose she said my nasal tissue is literally shredded and it going to take time to heal. She said my loss of smell and taste she completely come back 100% with time. She prescribed a high dose antibiotic and told me to do a saline rinse every few hours with a pure saline spray.  All I can do now is follow her instructions and wait. This really *****, I wish I never used Afrin!!!!
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Avatar universal
I, too , lost my sense of smell after using Afrin.  After 1 and 1/2 years I decided to try acupuncture and it worked!!!  Now I'm very happy.
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I used an Afrin equivalent for 3 days, (almost) as indicated, to clear my ears for a flight. When I returned, I found out I couldn't smell anything and when I tried to remember, I think I couldn't smell when Afrin cleared my nose. Maybe it's normal with an infection. The most bothersome part was some chemical phantom smell that ranged between slightly sweet to disturbing. But I'm happy to report that today, on day 5 after last use, and almost 2 weeks after getting the cold, I started smelling things again. Not sure Afrin was to blame, someone should do some research on its effects on smell, like they did with Zicam (Lim et al., 2009).
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Avatar universal
Any updates on this? I used an oxymetazoline spray almost 3 days ago and still have no sense of smell.
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Update: my sense of smell just started to return - exactly 72 hours after last use of spray. I used a saline rinse morning and evening over the last few days, as well as a saline spray with aloe and chamomile today
Avatar universal
I have been using Afrin on and off for a few weeks.  I had stopped for 3 or 4 days, then used it for two days and realized I had lost most of my sense of smell.  I haven't lost all of it, but enough that I am going to toss the bottle out.  I also reported it to the FDA and will do so to the company as well if I can find out who manufactures it.  They should all be aware.
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It's very easy to report it to the FDA on-line, it only takes a few minutes.  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home
Avatar universal
Don't panic everyone! I always lose my sense of taste and smell for about a week after using Walmart's generic equivalent of Afrin when I get a cold..and it always comes back after about a week. And I use it way over the recommended amount..two sprays per nostril every 4-6 hours..because otherwise I can't breathe. I would rather be able to breathe than taste my food..plus I know my sense of taste and smell always comes back. Yes..this is very unpleasant..but it's not the end of the world and being able to breathe through my nose..especially when I sleep..is way more important. So once you don't need the nasal spray start doing saline nasal washings with a neti pot..and NEVER use plain water..even if filtered..as it will irritate your sinuses and may introduce dangerous bacteria into your sinus cavities. I make my own saline by boiling in the microwave 8oz of filtered, non-chlorinated water..after it is hot add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt or pink himalayan salt until dissolved..then filter the liquid through a paper coffee filter to remove any impurities from the salt..and then cool down and use in the neti pot. I have never added aloe to this because you don't want to add anything into your sinus cavities that could end up hurting or irritating them -Pure saline is always best for safety. Good luck everyone and don't worry..99.9% of the time your sense of taste & smell will return after about a week. If not..please see a doctor ASAP.
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Avatar universal
I just went through this issue. Used Afrin for 5 days, every 12 hours. When I stopped, I lost my sense of smell and taste completely for three days. I was terrified. But, i used the saline gel with aloe and everything came back today. Totally back to normal! So, there is hope! But,I'll never use Afrin again and i do plan to file a complaint with the FDA. There should at least be a warning on that box!
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1 Comments
How long it took to recover after you stopped using Afrin? My wife is under similar condition. She used for 3 days and stopped about 48 hrs ago. She is saying she could smell few things only like 40% rest 60% she is getting some other bad smell along with it. Is this sign of recovery?
Avatar universal
In May 2015 I used one application (spray) of Severe Congestion Afrin (mentholated) to clear my nose so I could clear my stuffy nose and sleep with a cold. I experienced a strong stinging/burning sensation that lasted for a couple of minutes. My nose cleared and I could breathe while sleeping; BUT the next day and for the following year to date I have completely lost my sense of smell and associated taste. I visited an ENT doctor about one month after this loss occurred and went through evaluation and treatments of Prednisone, Flonase and Ceftin with no improvement. The ENT scoped my sinus passage and I even had an MRI but none of this attention got me anywhere. I am sure that the cause was the Afrin because it was a sudden result of the one-time spray. My ENT says that he has not had a patient with this experience linked to Afrin and is just mystified.  I've filed a complaint with the FDA and note that many other individuals have too. I'd like to see responses from physicians and/or anyone who actually has confirmation from physicians that are in agreement that Afrin can and has caused anosmia that was temporary or permanent as mine seems to be.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hey everyone, I too had this issue! I had a really bad cold due to finals week and my immune system being down because of all of the stress!! So I just took Afrin and ibuprofen and hoped for the best because I've used both before with no problem. On the 5th day of use (about once a day) I realized at lunch with friends that I couldn't taste A THING, or smell ANYTHING. I was terrified and panicked. Immediately went to my doctor and he said he had heard of this before and had some options for me. He wrote me a script for Prednisone to decrease all the swelling from my acute rhinitis, and recommended Sudafed as well. He also said the most effective way of "washing out" the Afrin use is to use Saline Washes (which I have read many of you have!). I took both medicines and used the rinse twice before I went to sleep. On about hour 36 from the time I realized I had no taste/smell, it was restored! It was faint at first, but progressively my taste and smell has gotten back to normal. So, be patient, I know how panicking it can be, but your body will rid itself of that Afrin (threw it right in the trash) and return to normal in time. Definitely recommend the saline solutions and if your doctor recommends, a oral steroid for inflammation which was probably the primary cause anyway! Good luck all!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used Afrin ONCE! yesterday and my sense of smell and taste were GONE!  I stopped using immediately.  I can taste today. Smell is slowly coming back. This product should be BANNED!!!  I am very upset!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
I have been addicted to Afrin for 20 years.  I have no sense of smell and car barely taste.  I wonder if my senses can be restored.  Has it affected your senses also?  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I was addicted for 7 years....it was a rough 24 hours but I broke the addiction by using saline spray.... but I also lost almost all my sense of smell and taste.  Years later.. I still have little or no sense of smell or taste.  At the moment I am trying aroma therapy sniffing certain essential oils... but I see no results yet..
Avatar universal
As well as the rest of you I lost my sence of smell and taste after using three times OMG how aweful this has been since FEB 2015 I've seen 2  E.N.T.Doctors and they can't help nothing they can do so I talked with lawyer nothing he can do So who can do something what kind of life is this now coulden't even smell the flowers this year so aggervated.With all these people you think someone could make this right this product should come with warning label WILL LOSE SMELL AND TASTE FOREVER guess what I would not buy that but I did no warning now this effects my life forever thank you AFRIN....Shame on you
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
As well as the rest of you I lost my sence of smell and taste after using three times OMG how aweful this has been since FEB 2015 I've seen 2  E.N.T.Doctors and they can't help nothing they can do so I talked with lawyer nothing he can do So who can do something what kind of life is this now coulden't even smell the flowers this year so aggervated.With all these people you think someone could make this right this product should come with warning label WILL LOSE SMELL AND TASTE FOREVER guess what I would not buy that but I did no warning now this effects my life forever thank you AFRIN....Shame on you
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I was a nose spray junkie for 7 years.. I used it after getting hooked on it from a cold, then I could not stop as it felt like I would suffocate,.. I used it numerous times daily..so I talked to a pharmacist who suggested saline spray and a rough 24 hours of withdrawal...  but it worked, I was able to break the habit of Afrin however it was to late for my sense of taste and smell.   Now 20 years or so later, my sense of smell and taste are still gone.    
Avatar universal
Same thing here. Complete loss of taste and smell after 3 days of use.
It's only been 2 days and have stopped using the CVS Sinus Relief.
I've started flushing with saline wash and using Ayr Saline nasal gel with aloe.
I cannot smell the aloe at all.
Hopefully my senses return..
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
I have had a bad head cold for the last week and I used the Kroger equivalent to Afrin. It helped keep my sinuses open but my sense of smell is gone completely. I can taste OK. I hope this isn't permanent.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
Hi everybody on May 14 2015 I took afrin. But unlike most of you I accidentaly lifted the Afrin Bottle and a squirt came into my nose. Making a burning effect. I though it would go away. And it did. But I could bearly smell anything. I sprayed Axe in my hand and had to be extremely close to smell it. I was so scared I started thinking of suicide. I need help PLEASE! :(
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
I used Afrin on Sunday 4-19-15 Morning at 8:00 to clear a severely stuffed nose.  I took ONE DOSE, two sprays, one in each nostril

I have not been able to smell anything since then, though I am able to taste.  I have also had a nose bleed and several blown clots

I used this on my daughter, earlier this year, and again, ONE SINGLE DOSE.  I was recommended this by an ER nurse after taking her in for severe nasal congestion.  

She has not smelled anything since, or catches very faint whiffs of the most pungent, rancid odors.

I'm going to use the saline spray with Aloe starting today and pray hard and schedule to see a doctor.  

This is insane.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
I am sincerely wishing I didn't use this product. I'm an allergist and have always told my patients not to use this product on a regular basis. Feeling congested with a cold, I used it once as per directions and have now lost my sense of smell. I have a very acute sense of smell and even with my cold was able to appreciate the flavors of chai tea, a orange flavored chocolate and some fruits just prior to using this product. I'm  regretting that I had used this product. I'm hoping this is temporary....ugh. I'm not even able to explain why this happened...it's supposed to be just a vasoconstrictor.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How do you feel now? I have the same issue right now and scared. pls help.
Avatar universal
I used Afrin over the weekend and can't smell or taste anything. I put my nose in a bottle of nail polish remover and also bleach- nothing! I put a dollop of WASABI on my tounge- nothing but a slight burn. I have never had a cold do this to me so I know that's it's afrin related. I can't believe this stuff is on the market! This is awful! I sure hope that it returns.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was wondering if you ever regained your sense of smell. I am experiencing the same thing now. While suffering from a very bad respiratory bug, I used Afrin once per day for 2 days. That was a week ago and since then my sense of smell and taste have disappeared. I'm really afraid the loss will be permanent. I'm hoping your outcome was positive.
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Avatar universal
I use Afrin once during a bad sinus infection. 2 sprays each nostril as directed, once. Only one use and I could breathe! Later that day, I realized that while I could breathe, I couldn't smell anything. Not coffee, not orange, nothing. It was extremely scary, and so I came across this page while looking for afrin and loss of smell. It isn't listed as a side effect and I would never have taken it had I known I would lose my smell. I couldn't smell a single thing for two straight days, and it drove me nuts. Nothing tasted the same and I was miserable because I love food.  I did try some saline drops with aloe on day two. Not sure if that worked or if Afrin effects finally wore off, bit I am happy to report that on day three my sense of smell did return (although so did the congestion). I will definitely take dealing with congestion over loss of smell!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used Afrin one time when I had very bad cold. My sinus was stuffed and my ears were plugged. I couldn't hear very well at all for days. I got so tired of my ears. No matter what I did, they wouldn't unplug for me to hear clearly. So, I went to a local store and got Afrin after reading reviews online about it. This was back in 2009 and I sparingly used in my nasals. Ever since, I can't smell very well. Either the smell has to be very strong or I have to be very close to the source of the oder to smell anything. My smell never used to be this bad before. What's worse is that I also used this product on my 5 year old son around about the same time. It makes sense why he hardly wants to eat anything. That's because he can't smell very well just like me. I believe, they have something in the Afrin product that destroys your smelling nerves.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used Afrin one time when I had very bad cold. My sinus was stuffed and my ears were plugged. I couldn't hear very well at all for days. I got so tired of my ears. No matter what I did, they wouldn't unplug for me to hear clearly. So, I went to a local store and got Afrin after reading reviews online about it. This was back in 2009 and I sparingly used in my nasals. Ever since, I can't smell very well. Either the smell has to be very strong or I have to be very close to the source of the oder to smell anything. My smell never used to be this bad before. What's worse is that I also used this product on my 5 year old son around about the same time. It makes sense why he hardly wants to eat anything. That's because he can't smell very well just like me. I believe, they have something in the Afrin product that destroys your smelling nerves.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been using Afrin for 35 years and while I know it's bad for you due to dependency issues, I don't think it has anything to do with the taste/smell issues you're all having; this us the first time I've read about other people having this issue, until now people have looked at me like I was crazy! About 5 years ago I came down with the flu, and it was pretty bad. I started Tamiflu but it was too late. My fever went up to 106!! When I was over it it took a while to feel normal again. When the fever broke I also experienced smell and taste issues. Bathroom wipes smelled like ammonia, as did shampoo and other soaps; I remember grape juice smelling/tasting like sulfur, the same for orange juice. Taste and smell are linked, so it's hard to tell which was effected more (if you hold your nose you can't experience certain tastes). It was very annoying and I was afraid the high fever had caused damage. But after a few days I woke up and I was back to normal. I never stopped using the Afrin. My opinion is that it's not the Afrin but the illness/fever that caused the problem. Although Afrin can cause vasoconstriction and therefore is bad if you have blood pressure issues, it's effects are mainly irritating to the nasal septum and wouldn't effect perception of taste and smell. That is probably a brain issue; the way your brain processes the information it gets is screwed up. So an ENT is the wrong doctor to see. I realize now how lucky I was that it got better so fast, but I would recommend that you all make an appointment with a neurologist. The common thing we all experienced was an illness if some kind, and my gut tells me that some neural pathway(s) have been effected. Keep me posted!
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I had the same experience years ago with Afrin , still sufferin the effects 15 years later, went to an ENT who prescribed an MRA I believe is called from my head.  The result was that the blood vessels in my nasal system were burned.  He told me that if after a period of time, no more than 1 year my taste and smell did not come back I was probably never going to recuperate them.  Afrin can really damage you physically, I have the proof in that test result.
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