Denture Adhesive Neuropathy

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. …

If you are one of the 35 million Americans who uses denture adhesives, such as Poligrip and Fixodent, we have an urgent warning. The use of zinc-containing denture adhesives has been linked to serious neurological problems, including neuropathy. These injuries can be permanently disabling and even life-threatening. Yet, the makers of denture adhesives have refused to put labels on these products warning of their dangers.

No one knows how many people are suffering from neuropathy or other neurological problems because of toxic denture adhesives. The denture adhesive neuropathy lawyers at our firm are currently evaluating potential lawsuits against the manufacturers who failed to adequately warn consumers about the health problems these products can cause.

Neuropathy is a serious nerve disorder that affects the extremities. It is often caused by exposure to a toxin, and it is a side effect of some drugs. Excessive exposure to zinc – an ingredient in many denture adhesives – is also associated with the development of neuropathy and other neurological problems. …

Many people with ill-fitting dentures rely on denture adhesives to keep them in place. But because some of these adhesives  may contain zinc, this is not a safe solution. If you ingest too much of the zinc in denture adhesives, you might eventually experience copper deficiency. People who suffer from chronic low levels of copper in their blood can develop severe neurological problems, including neuropathy. …

Many doctors are not aware that denture adhesives can cause zinc copper depletion and neuropathy. This can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Most often, if a patient with denture adhesive neuropathy is misdiagnosed, they are thought to have a demyelinating disease. These types of disorders involve destruction of the myelin sheath – the protective covering of the nerve cells. Our denture adhesive neuropathy lawyers are currently investigating several cases of zinc copper deficiency that were first diagnosed as one of these diseases.

All demyelinating diseases can cause tingling in the extremities, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, motion problems, and other symptoms typical of denture adhesive neuropathy. If you or someone you know has suffered from symptoms of a demyelinating disease and use denture adhesive, you should ask you doctor to test the zinc and copper levels in your blood. That way, your doctor can rule out denture adhesive neuropathy before you begin any treatment. …

Even though zinc-containing denture creams pose a serious threat to people who use them, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not require dental adhesives to carry warning labels about zinc poisoning. Millions of people use, and continue to use, denture adhesives, unaware that doing so might lead to the development of neuropathy and other neurological problems. The denture adhesive neuropathy lawyers at our firm believe the victims of this disorder are entitled to compensation. …

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.

“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.”

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.

For More Information About The Poligrip Lawsuit – Click Here