"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 Attorney
People who use Poligrip, Fixodent and other denture creams have reportedly suffered from neurological problems, including numbness, tingling and pain in their arms and legs, muscle weakness, paralysis and even neuropathy. If you wear dentures, and have experienced such problems, the denture adhesive you are using could be to blame.
The denture neuropathy attorneys at our firm are investigating a link between denture creams and neurological problems. A 2008 study published in the journal Neurology found evidence of such an association. Our firm is currently evaluating potential lawsuits against the makers of Poligrip, Fixodent and other denture adhesives. If you suffer from neuropathy or other neurological symptoms, and you use denture cream on a regular basis, we urge you to contact a denture neuropathy attorney at our firm right away.
Zinc Poisoning
Many denture creams, including Poligrip and Fixodent, are made with zinc. In large amounts, zinc can be toxic. Often, people with ill-fitting dentures will use excessive amounts of denture adhesive. As a result, they can accidently ingest unsafe amounts of the product, which risks exposing them to too much zinc.
Like most denture wearers, you probably are surprised to learn that using denture cream can have serious health risks. Take a close look at any tube of denture adhesive, and you will see that there are no warnings regarding the very real risk of zinc poisoning. That's because the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not require such warnings, and the makers of Poligrip, Fixodent and other denture adhesives have chosen not to include such cautions.
The affects of denture cream zinc poisoning can be devastating. The neurological problems and neuropathy that result from denture cream overuse can cause permanent disability and even death. The denture neuropathy attorneys at our firm contend that by not including warnings about the risk of zinc poisoning with their products, the makers of denture adhesives are guilty of negligence. The victims of denture cream poisoning are therefore entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Zinc Poisoning and Copper Deficiency
Some zinc is important in order to maintain good health, but exposure to excessive zinc can have serious health consequences. Exposure to excess zinc inhibits the absorption of copper. Fatigue, paleness, skin sores, edema, slowed growth, hair loss, anorexia, diarrhea and dermatitis can be symptoms of copper deficiency. Copper deficiency can also affect the immune and cardiovascular systems. The condition also can cause reduced red blood cell function and reduced red blood cell life span, which can lead to impaired energy levels and cause weakness and labored respiration from decreased oxygen delivery.
The health problems caused by copper deficiency are many. They include dysesthesias and paresthesias, which are disorders that cause abnormal sensations, such as pain and tingling, in the extremities. If not corrected, severe copper deficiency will also lead to anemia and bone marrow disorders.
Neuropathy is one of the most serious and disabling consequences of copper deficiency. Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms; a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands; unexplained pain in the extremities; a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance; or a change or decrease in walking stride. Severe neuropathy can even lead to abnormal blood pressure and heart rate, reduced ability to perspire, constipation, bladder dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction.
The link between denture creams and denture neuropathy is not merely theoretical. Recently, a scientific study, which appeared in a 2008 issue of Neurology, provided confirmation of this association. The study looked at four neuropathy patients, all of whom had used excessive amounts of denture cream over an extended period of time.
All of the patients had extremely high levels of zinc in their blood, and all suffered from copper deficiency. The researchers conducting the study had the patients stop using denture cream, and some of the patients even took copper supplements. But only two saw a "mild" improvement in their neuropathy symptoms.
Possible Misdiagnoses of Denture Cream Neuropathy
It can sometimes take doctors quite a while to diagnose denture cream neuropathy. Part of the difficulty comes from the fact that denture cream neuropathy mimics many other neurological disorders. Its symptoms are especially similar to a group of illnesses known as demyelinating diseases.
A demyelinating disease is any illness that is caused by deterioration of the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells. The myelin sheath acts as a type of insulation for nerve cells, and without it the nervous system cannot function properly. All demyelinating diseases cause 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, and bladder and bowel difficulties.
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 zinc poisoning and copper deficiency before you begin treatment.
Some of the demyelinating diseases most often misdiagnosed in patients with denture cream neuropathy include:
Demyelinating Syndrome: A group of symptoms associated with the destruction of myelin of the neurons. 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. This syndrome can be associated with other diseases, such as lupus.
Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system, causing demyelination. Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S., and it 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. Because of this difficulty, doctors may at first think that a patient has Multiple Sclerosis, when in fact they are suffering from zinc copper deficiency.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. 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.
Other Related Links
Excess use of denture cream tied to nerve damage
More claims of denture cream poisoning
Legal Help for Victims of Denture Neuropathy
If you use denture adhesives, and you suffer from neurological symptoms, including numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, and paralysis, you may be a victim of denture neuropathy. Only a blood test can determine if your symptoms are the result of zinc poisoning and copper deficiency.
If you or someone you love suffers from denture neuropathy as the result of Poligrip, Fixodent or other denture creams, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To discuss your legal rights with an experienced denture neuropathy attorney, please call 1-800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) as soon as possible.
