Denture Cream Poisoning and Denture Cream Lawsuits
Lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturer of Poligrip denture creams, and Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Fixodent denture cream, on behalf of individuals diagnosed with copper deficient neuropathy as a result of using zinc containing denture adhesive cream products. Claims against manufacturers include failure to warn about the risks associated with the zinc-containing denture creams, failure to provide adequate denture cream instructions, and in some instances, failure to warn about the presence of zinc in the product.
Zinc Poisoning and Denture Cream Neurological Injuries
Some denture cream adhesives are known to contain the heavy metal, zinc. While the human body requires zinc in small amounts, taking too much zinc into the body over an extended period of time can have harmful health effects. Increased zinc intake and high zinc blood levels (hyperzincemia) can cause decreased copper absorption in the body. It is this resulting copper deficiency (hypocupremia) that can lead to the neuropathy and anemia observed in patients suffering from zinc poisoning.
Denture Cream Dangers – What May Have Gone Wrong
Researchers recently reported study results* indicating that long term and excessive use of zinc-containing denture cream may be associated with high levels of zinc and resulting low levels of copper in the body. The study included four denture wearers who all had used large amounts of zinc-containing denture cream long term, and had suffered neurological injury or disease. In three of the four patients zinc blood levels improved after the patients stopped using zinc-containing denture cream and in all four patients, zinc-containing denture cream was identified as the only possible source of excessive zinc exposure and ingestion.
*S. P. Nations, MD, P. J. Boyer, MD, PhD, L. A. Love, MD, M. F. Burritt, PhD, J. A. Butz, BA, G. I. Wolfe, MD, L. S. Hynan, PhD, J. Reisch, PhD and J. R. Trivedi, MD, An unusual source of excess zinc, leading to hypocupremia and neurologic disease. NEUROLOGY 2008;71:639-643
Zinc Poisoning or Zinc Toxicity Symptoms
Symptoms of zinc poisoning or zinc toxicity may include:
- Increased or High Zinc Blood Levels (hyperzincemia)
- Decreased or depleted Copper Blood Levels (hypocupremia)
- Numbness or tingling of the hands, arms, feet, legs, or other parts of the body (paresthesia)
- Muscle or limb weakness
- Hand cramping
- Difficulty walking
- Paralysis
- Anemia
- Bone Marrow Failure
An Alert Regarding Zinc-Containing Denture Cream and Neurological Side Effects
On February 18, 2010, GlaxoSmithKline issued a “Dear Doctor Letter” alerting healthcare professionals of the potential health risk from using the company’s zinc-containing denture creams, Super Poligrip “Original”, Super Poligrip “Ultra Fresh”, and Super Poligrip “Extra Care.” While the letter indicated that risk is related to excessive use, GlaxoSmithKline stated that they had halted the manufacture, distribution, and advertising of their zinc-containing denture cream products.
The company cited an increased number of adverse event reports in 2009 together with the published literature as the cause for their action, further stating “The reports describe the development of myeloneuropathy and blood dyscrasias. Neurological symptoms may include sensory disturbance, limb weakness and difficulty walking.”
Zinc Poisoning and Denture Cream Lawsuits
Lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturer of Poligrip denture creams, and Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Fixodent denture cream, on behalf of individuals diagnosed with copper deficient (hypocuperimia) neuropathy (neurological injury or disease) as a result of using zinc containing denture adhesive cream products. Claims against manufacturers include failure to warn about the risks associated with the zinc-containing denture creams, failure to provide adequate denture cream instructions, and in some instances, failure to warn about the presence of zinc in the product.
What You Can Do If You have Suffered a Consumer Product Injury
Put your health first. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury related to a consumer product see your doctor or healthcare professional. He or she is the best person to make recommendations concerning your health.
Contact the Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg for a Consumer Product Lawsuit Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective consumer product, and you have a question concerning you legal rights, contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a free legal case evaluation by calling us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.
