Poligrip
Denture creams are used by over 35 million denture users in the US. Denture creams are applied before inserting dentures into the mouth and help to hold dentures in place. Recent research and Poligrip lawsuits have called into question the safety of the Poligrip line of denture creams. These products, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, contain zinc and may be putting users at risk of zinc poisoning and related neurological problems like neuropathy (nerve damage) through the ingestion of high amounts of the denture creams through daily use.
While small doses of zinc are normal and healthy, denture wearers with low quality or poorly fitting dentures may use excessive amounts of denture cream, leading to the ingestion of a dangerous amount of zinc. Additionally, users who take zinc supplements may be unaware of the presence of zinc in their denture cream as well. Overexposure can have irreversible side effects. GlaxoSmithKline is alleged to have failed in warning users of the risk.
Zinc poisoning (hyperzincemia) can cause serious neurological problems such as hypocupremia (copper depletion) and neuropathy. Neuropathy is nerve damage, most commonly experienced by diabetics. Failure to inform consumers of the presence of zinc and the risk of zinc poisoning may constitute negligence on the part of Poligrip manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline. Poligrip has already been removed from the market in light of health concerns.
As early as 2008, research studies identified abnormally high levels of zinc in denture wearers who had developed neurological problems. All subjects were also chronic users of excessive amounts of denture cream, and no other cause for the mineral imbalance or the neurological problems could be found.
Over time, excessive use of Poligrip may lead to a build up of zinc in the body. This overload of zinc in turn prevents the proper absorption of copper, which causes neurological problems. Side effects of zinc overdose due to Poligrip use may appear in a number of forms.
Poligrip users should watch for:
- Balance problems and loss of coordination
- Tingling or numbness especially in the extremities (legs, feet, arms and hands)
- Inability to move extremities
- Abnormal blood pressure and heart rate
- Inability to perspire (sweat), and constipation and incontinence problems
- Shorter, slower, or more awkward walking stride
- Cognitive problems
The affected products include the Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Care and Ultra Fresh lines of Poligrip products. Of the estimated 35 million denture wearers in the US, approximately 25% used Poligrip.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, illness or death, that seems to have been someone else’s fault, call VanDerGinst Law at 1-866-843-7367 or click here for a FREE online case evaluation. The initial consultation is free of charge. If we agree to handle your injury case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if, and when, there is a money recovery for you. In many cases a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. So please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.
