DENTURE CREAM ZINC CLAIMS

 

Davis & Crump is reviewing cases involving individuals who have suffered neurological problems, including peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system), that may have been caused by exposure to excess levels of zinc in denture creams such as Poligrip and Fixodent.   The manufacturers of Poligrip and Fixodent, GlaxoSmithKline and Procter & Gamble, failed to disclose the potential risks associated with denture creams, and research has shown that excessive use of these products may create a copper deficiency in the human body that can lead to serious health problems.

Denture Cream Side Effects

Excessive use of denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip can result in toxic levels of zinc exposure that have been linked to peripheral neuropathy.   Other side effects associated with potential denture cream poisoning include:

*   Difficulty walking
*   Instability and poor balance
*   Loss of ability to move arms, hands, legs or feet
*   Loss of sensation
*   Loss of strength
*   Numbness or tingling in the extremities
*   Weakness

Denture Cream Information

Millions of Americans wear dentures, primarily the elderly, and inadequate or non-existent warnings on the denture creams and adhesives required to hold dentures in place may be causing zinc poisoning among users.   A denture cream study conducted in 2008 by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that zinc levels in denture cream products like Fixodent and Poligrip can diminish the amount of copper in the body.   According to this study, "chronic, excess zinc intake can result in copper deficiency and profound neurologic disease."   The study identified patients who wore dentures and used large or excessive amounts of denture cream and experienced such symptoms as weakness in the hands, poor balance, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence.   The patients showed "mild neurologic improvement" after stopping their denture cream use.

Unfortunately, the FDA does not require disclosure of the potential for zinc poisoning associated with excessive use of these denture creams.  So many denture cream users are unaware of the link between their denture cream use and neurological problems like peripheral neuropathy.   On February 18, 2010, GlaxoSmithKline issued a Consumer Advisory Warning regarding the "potential health risks associated with the long term, excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives" and took a voluntary action to cease production of its zinc containing denture creams.

CONTACT US
If you or someone you know is a regular user of denture creams such as Poligrip or Fixodent and are also suffering from peripheral neuropathy or other neurological symptoms, including zinc toxicity or a copper deficiency, please contact our denture cream lawyers to discuss your claim at 1-800-277-0300 or email us at info@daviscrump.com.