"Agreement reached to settle some Poligrip claims"
Denture Creams such as Super Poligrip, Fixodent and Others, May Be Associated With Paralysis, Numbness, Tingling, Muscle Weakness And Other Neurological Issues.
Or You May Be Diagnosed With Zinc Poisoning, Reduced Copper Levels, Neuropathy, Anemia Or Bone Marrow Failure.
6/27/10-WFAA.com WFAA-TV|Dallas/Fort Worth - Health News - Zinc danger remains in denture paste "A lot of my clients were complaining of symptoms and go to their doctors, and the doctors will simply ignore them; they are unaware of the zinc poisoning issues. They are unaware that these products even contain zinc," said Andy Alonso, part of a team of attorneys representing more than 100 plaintiffs in a mass tort. He credits News 8 reports for getting the word out.
More Info...
3/10/10-Philadelphia Daily News - Zinc in dental adhesives can cause "horrific injuries," lawyer says. More Info...
Philadelphia Daily News - News coverage of Poligrip dental adhesive. More Info...
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) warns about a potential health risk associated with long-term, excessive use of GSK?s zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Poligrip ?Original?, ?Ultra Fresh? and ?Extra Care?. More Info...
Press Release - 2/18/2010 - Parker Waichman Alonso LLP Commends GlaxoSmithKline for its Decision to Voluntarily Stop the Manufacture, Distribution and Advertising of all Super PoliGrip Denture Cream Products Made with Zinc.
Consumer Web Advisory - 2/18/2010 - GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) warns about a potential health risk associated with long-term, excessive use of GSK's zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Poligrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' and 'Extra Care'.
ABC News - Study Finds a Possible Link Between Denture Cream and Imbalance
For More Information About The Poligrip Lawsuit - Click Here
GlaxoSmithKline Stops Making 3 Super PoliGrip Products Because of Zinc Risks
The risk of zinc poisoning prompted GlaxoSmithKline to announce it would voluntarily stop manufacturing, marketing and advertising three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip denture cream products on February 18, 2010. The products affected by this announcement are: Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' and 'Extra Care'.
Glaxo said it is currently in the process of reformulating Super PoliGrip 'Original', Super PoliGrip 'Ultra Fresh' and Super PoliGrip 'Extra Care' to non-zinc formulations. The new versions should be in stores by Mid April 2010.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, recent research suggests that long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture creams like the Super PoliGrip products may lead to the development of neurological symptoms. These may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance and blood problems such as anemia.
Glaxo maintains that Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh? and 'Extra Care' are safe to use as directed, but noted that some consumers may apply more adhesive than directed, or use it more than once per day. In a statement posted on its Web site, Glaxo said it stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of the three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip products as a precautionary measure to minimize any potential risks to consumers. The company also said it had discussed the matter with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and no further action is necessary.
According to Glaxo's statement, consumers who have been using zinc-containing Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' or 'Extra Care' for several years in greater amounts than directed on the package or more than once per day, or have concerns about their health, must:
- Stop using the product.
- Talk to their doctor.
- Use a zinc-free alternative.
This action does not affect any zinc-free Super PoliGrip products, including Super PoliGrip 'Free,' Super PoliGrip 'Comfort Seal Strips', or Super PoliGrip 'Powder'. These products remain available to consumers.
Consumers with questions about this action can call Glaxo toll free at 1-866-640-1017.
Denture Neuropathy Attorneys
Denture neuropathy is a serious health problem that can affect people who use denture creams and adhesives, such as Poligrip and Fixodent. This devastating nerve disorder, which is characterized by numbness, tingling, weakness and pain in the extremities, can lead to permanent disability. Unfortunately, the vast majority of denture cream users have no idea that these products can have serious health consequences because the makers of denture adhesives have chosen not to issue warnings about their risks.
The consequences of denture neuropathy can be catastrophic. Victims are often left totally disabled and unable to work, all at a time when they may be facing staggering medical bills. Sadly, this kind of misery would have been completely preventable if the makers of denture creams simply labeled their products with adequate safety information.
If you wear dentures and use denture creams, you may be entitled to compensation if you develop neuropathy or other health problems associated with these products. The denture neuropathy attorneys at our firm are investigating potential lawsuits against the makers of toxic denture creams. We urge you to take action now, and contact one of our denture neuropathy attorneys to protect your legal rights.
Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning
Most denture creams contain zinc, which is toxic if ingested in large amounts. This is especially dangerous for anyone with poorly fitting dentures, as they may use excessive amounts of zinc-containing denture creams to keep their teeth in place. If you use denture creams in this way, you could run a significant risk of developing denture neuropathy.
According to a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology, denture creams can be instrumental in causing people to develop neuropathy. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Texas, focused on four neuropathy patients. All had dentures, and used large amounts of denture cream - on average 1-2 tubes per week - over a long period of time.
According to the Neurology article, all of the patients had excessively high levels of zinc in their blood. They also had copper deficiency - a natural consequence of zinc poisoning. The researchers surmised that their neuropathy symptoms were the result of this zinc-induced copper deficiency.
Unfortunately, the study also confirmed that the damage caused by the zinc in denture creams can be permanent. Only two patients showed "mild neurological improvement" after they began using copper supplements and stopped using denture creams, while the others had no improvement whatsoever.
Inadequate Warnings
Despite growing evidence that zinc-containing denture creams and adhesives are associated with denture neuropathy, the makers of these products have failed to warn consumers of their dangers. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not require such warnings, and without such a mandate, the makers of these products have provided inadequate cautions at best.
In 2007, GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of SuperPoligrip, had this to say when faced with a denture neuropathy lawsuit:
- "GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare stands by the safety and efficacy of SuperPoligrip, which is approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although we can’t comment on this person’s claim, we want to assure consumers that Super Poligrip is safe and effective when used as directed. When someone uses Super Poligrip for their dentures, the vast majority of the zinc in the product remains in the adhesive and is not released into the mouth. Thus the potential for absorption of zinc though the gums is minimal. Although it is expected that a small amount of Super Poligrip would be swallowed when used as directed, the amount of zinc that is released into the stomach and absorbed into the bloodstream is very small. Therefore, the possibility of experiencing adverse effects from exposure to zinc in Super Poligrip is highly unlikely if used as directed."
Yet, the directions on SuperPoligrip do not make mention of zinc or zinc poisoning. The directions offer no advice on the appropriate amount of SuperPoligrip a denture wearer should use, and there is nothing that warns consumers to avoid using too much. In fact, the one warning on SuperPoligrip simply reads: "Ill fitting dentures may impair health: Consult your dentist regularly."
Possible Misdiagnoses of Denture Cream Neuropathy
The neurological symptoms caused by denture cream neuropathy mimic many other diseases. Some studies have shown that severe zinc copper deficiency can cause the destruction of the myelin sheath of the nerves. The myelin sheath acts as a type of insulation for nerve cells, and without it the nervous system cannot function properly. When the myelin sheath is destroyed - a process known as demyelination - severe neurological disease will result.
Our denture cream neuropathy attorneys are aware of several instances where people suffering from zinc copper deficiency were misdiagnosed with a demyelinating disease. Some of the symptoms typical of both zinc copper deficiency and demyelinating diseases include:
- numbness or tingling in the extremities
- muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or difficulty in moving
- difficulties with coordination and balance
- problems in speech or swallowing
- visual problems
- fatigue
- acute or chronic pain
- bladder and bowel difficulties.
Some of the demyelinating diseases most often misdiagnosed in patients with denture cream neuropathy include:
Demyelinating Syndrome: This syndrome is often associated with other diseases, such as lupus. Typical symptoms include odd sensation in legs, arms, chest, or face, such as tingling or numbness, or weakness; blurriness or double vision; loss of dexterity; and coordination problems.
Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and it is 2-to-3 times more common in women than men. Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose early in the course of the disease, because symptoms often come and go — sometimes disappearing for months.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Early symptoms of this disorder-such as varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs-are similar to those caused by zinc copper deficiency. In many instances the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all. When severe, a patient may suffer life-threatening paralysis.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP): A rare neurological disorder in which there is swelling of nerve roots and destruction of the myelin sheath over the nerves. This disorder causes weakness, paralysis and/or impairment in motor function, especially of the arms and legs. Sensory loss may also be present causing numbness, tingling, or prickling sensations. The motor and sensory impairments usually affect both sides of the body, and the degree of severity may vary.
If you or someone you know has suffered from symptoms of a demyelinating disease and use denture cream, you should ask you doctor to test the zinc and copper levels in your blood. That way, your doctor can rule out denture cream neuropathy before you begin any treatment.
Other Related Links
Excess use of denture cream tied to nerve damage
More claims of denture cream poisoning
Denture Neuropathy Lawsuits
Our denture neuropathy attorneys believe Glaxo and other denture cream makers have been negligent in failing to include adequate warnings about zinc poisoning and denture neuropathy on their products' labels. Because the FDA has so far refused to compel these companies to include appropriate warnings, lawsuits are the only way to hold the makers of toxic denture creams accountable for this negligence.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with neuropathy that you believe might be the result of denture cream zinc poisoning, you have valuable legal rights. Please fill out our online form, or call 1-800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of the denture neuropathy attorneys at our firm.