>>INFORMATION: Super Poligrip Zinc Poisoning Lawsuits

The company issued the announcement on Thursday, saying that it plans to replace Super Poligrip Original, Super Poligrip Ultra Fresh and Super Poligrip Extra Care denture adhesives with zinc-free alternatives. After claiming for years that there was no risk of problems with zinc in Poligrip, Glaxo acknowledged that their popular products could increase the risk of zinc poisoning, neuropathy and other neurological injuries:

“We are taking these actions because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products.”

This is a change of tune for a company that has been defending a growing number of denture adhesive lawsuits, which claim that the zinc contained in Poligrip can enter the body at high levels. This can deplete copper levels, resulting in the development of neuropathy and other neurological injuries caused by zinc poisoning. Symptoms can include:

• Numbness
• Tingling or Pain (Pins and Needles Sensation)
• Muscle Weakness
• Unexplained Pain
• Loss of Balance
• Difficulty Walking
• Loss of Sensation
• Paralysis

Similar lawsuits over Fixodent denture cream are also being pursued against Proctor and Gamble, who indicates that they have no plans to issue a Fixodent recall to remove denture adhesives with zinc from the market. Proctor and Gamble officials maintain that Fixodent denture adhesives are safe, as they contain less zinc than Super Poligrip. However, plaintiffs who have suffered zinc poisoning from Fixodent will establish that the denture adhesive is also unnecessarily dangerous, and that better warnings should have been provided to users of both Fixodent and Super Poligrip about the potential side effects of the denture cream.

SUPER POLIGRIP RECALL LAWSUITS

Potential Fixodent and Super Poligrip lawsuits are pending throughout the United States on behalf individuals who have been diagnosed with elevated zinc levels or depleted copper in the blood that may have been caused by use of the denture cream. Using large amounts or using the product over a long period of time, may increase the risk of a user suffering debilitating injuries from zinc poisoning.

To have a potential case reviewed by our Super Poligrip recall lawyers on behalf of yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

A wide variety of products, such as lozenges, nasal sprays, denture creams and other consumer products, are now containing zinc. While the benefits of zinc are being debated, the health risk posed by too much zinc entering the body can cause real long-term damage. A story last month in the Los Angeles Times highlights how many people are taking products that contain large amounts of zinc, which could put them at risk for zinc poisoning and serious health problems.

In June, the FDA issued a warning that zinc-based Zicam nasal sprays and gels were causing consumers to lose their sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia. As a result a Zicam recall was issued by the manufacturer, Matrixx Initiatives Inc., for all of the nasal spray and gel versions of the over-the-counter cold remedy.

Although the company claims that the products are safe, the FDA uncovered about 800 complaints about Zicam problems experienced by users, which Matrixx Initiatives failed to turn over to federal regulators as required by law. In addition, a medical study in October confirmed that zinc in Zicam nasal products could cause damage to olfactory nerves. Users throughout the United States who have suffered loss of their sense of smell or taste are now pursuing Zicam lawsuits as a result of the manufacturers failure to adequately test the impact of their product and warn about the risk of injury.

Excessive intake of zinc has also been linked to health problems with denture cream adhesives, such as GlaxoSmithKline’s Super Poligrip and Proctor & Gamble’s Fixodent. A number of Super Poligrip lawsuits and Fixodent lawsuits have been filed by users of the popular denture cream who suffered zinc poisoning, resulting in a variety of permanent and debilitating injuries, such as neuropathy, myelopathy, anemia, bone marrow failure, and damage to the central nervous system.

While zinc deficiency is a major problem that can lead to loss of eyesight, memory and a less effective immune system, many people do not realize how much zinc they are taking due to the inclusion of the metal in a number of different products. In addition to zinc absorbed in a normal diet, it is also often found in supplements and cold lozenges. It has even been found in water supplies which move water through galvanized pipes that leach zinc into the water.

The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women, with 40 mg being the maximum amount of zinc that can be safely tolerated by the human body per day. But some products, such as denture creams, have been found to expose users to levels of zinc exceeding 300 mg per day when large amounts of the adhesive are used to keep ill-fitting dentures in place.

Some zinc lozenges have 13 milligrams of zinc. The average zinc supplement contains 50 milligrams, and even some cereals have as much as 15 milligrams, all of which exceed the recommended daily intake. As a result, the amount of zinc can quickly add up without consumers realizing it, leading to long-term and potentially permanent, health problems.

ZINC POISONING LAWYERS

The product liability lawyers currently represent individuals throughout the United States who are pursuing a Zicam lawsuit over loss of smell caused by the use of nasal spray or gel containing zinc. Potential zinc poisoning lawsuits are also being pursued for users of Fixodent or Super Poligrip denture cream, who ingested excessive amounts of zinc as a result of the manufacturers failure to warn about the levels contained in their product and failure to provide adequate instructions on proper use.

To review a potential claim with our zinc poisoning lawyers, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>New packaging for Super Poligrip: Zinc poisoning warning
Denture cream instructions

New boxes of Super PoliGrip now contain a sticker on the outside indicating for users to “Read New Information Inside”. An insert is inside that warns about the presence of zinc, and the risk of health problems with Super Poligrip.

On one side, “Important Product Information” is listed as follows:

On the reverse side are instructions about proper use, indicating “For Best Results Start with a Small Amount” in large print. Together with diagrams demonstrating the recommended amount, the following directions are provided:

SUPER POLIGRIP ZINC POISONING LAWSUIT

At the time zinc was added as an ingredient in Poligrip, it was well known that excess zinc in the body can cause significant problems, including severe neurological damage that is often irreversible. However, for years the products have been sold without adequate warnings and GlaxoSmithKline turned a blind eye to the fact that many users were unaware that they were greatly overusing the denture cream, with some people reporting that one or two tubes were used each week, as opposed to each month.

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Super Poligrip zinc poisoning lawsuits (as well as Fixodent zinc poisoning lawsuits) for individuals who have been diagnosed with neurological damage caused by high zinc levels, which lowers copper levels in the blood. Potential cases are also being investigated for individuals who have experienced symptoms of zinc poisoning, such as:

• Numbness
• Tingling or Pain (Pins and Needles Sensation)
• Muscle Weakness
• Unexplained Pain
• Loss of Balance
• Difficulty Walking
• Loss of Sensation
• Paralysis

If you, a friend or family member have experienced Fixodent or Super Poligrip problems from zinc, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Two weeks ago an article was published in the New York Times Magazine, highlighting the dilemma many doctors face when presented with patients who are suffering from neuropathy and other neurological injuries, which have no apparent cause. In that article, Dr. Bilal Ahmed spotted a tube of denture adhesive in his patient’s hospital room and discovered that she typically used several tubes a month instead of the recommended one per month, leading him to determine that high levels of zinc were entering her body from the denture cream.

While the human body needs low levels of zinc to function, high zinc levels in the body can cause copper depletion, known as hypocupremia, which is known to cause permanent neurological problems including neuropathy, myelopathy, anemia, bone marrow failure and other problems.

Last week, an article by the Associated Press described how similar denture cream problems were discovered by 61-year-old Ronald Beaver, who figured out that he was receiving too much zinc from using Poligrip denture cream to help keep his ill-fitting dentures in place.

There are currently hundreds of other people who have filed a lawsuit alleging that GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble Co., which respectively make Poligrip and Fixodent, failed to adequately research their products or warn about the risk of neurological damage that may be caused from using too much of the denture adhesive cream.

According to the Associated Press report, there are at least 25 Fixodent and Poligrip suits currently pending in Federal Court, which have been consolidated for pretrial litigation as part of an MDL, or multidistrict litigation, in the Southern District of Florida. In addition, more claims are expected as denture adhesive attorneys continue to investigate potential cases for individuals who have experienced neurological problems.

The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women, with the maximum amount of zinc that can be safely tolerated being 40 mg per day. However, studies have established that users of Fixodent and PoliGrip may be exposed to levels as high as 330 mg per day, with many denture wearers using far more cream than is recommended.

Rather than warning about the problems and taking steps to ensure that only safe amounts are used, the manufacturers withheld the information and continued to reap the benefits of selling substantially more of their products than users needed or should have been consuming.

FIXODENT AND POLIGRIP ATTORNEYS

The Fixodent and Poligrip attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential claims for users throughout the United States who have experienced problems that may be caused by zinc poisoning, such as:

• Paralysis
• Numbness
• Loss of Sensation
• Tingling or Pain in Hands or Feet
• Muscle Weakness
• Loss of Balance
• Difficulty Walking
• Unexplained Pain or Weakness

For individuals who suspect that they may be experiencing problems, it is critical that a blood or urine test be obtained to test for elevated zinc levels and depleted copper levels as soon as possible. The use of Fixodent and Poligrip results in increased amounts of zinc and reduced copper levels, which can cause permanent neurological damage. However, once use of the products are stopped, the copper and zinc levels may return to normal, even though the neurological damage remains.

If you, a friend or family member have experienced problems with denture adhesive creams that contain zinc, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

The denture cream poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals throughout the country who are pursuing potential zinc poisoning lawsuits over injuries caused by use of Fixodent or Super Poligrip adhesives. As cases are filed in federal courts throughout the country, they will be transferred to the MDL, which was centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida before U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga.

According to the Transfer Order issued June 9, 2009:

On the basis of the papers filed and hearing session held, we find that these actions involve common questions of fact and centralization under Section 1407 in the Southern District of Florida will serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of this litigation. These actions share questions of fact arising out of the allegation that the levels of zinc contained in certain brands of denture cream can cause copper deficiency and neurological injuries. Centralization under Section 1407 will eliminate duplicative discovery; prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings; and conserve the resources of the parties, their counsel and the judiciary.

While the cases are only consolidated and coordinated for pretrial litigation, most people equate an MDL with being a class action for the denture cream lawsuits. However, the cases will remain individual claims and will be judged independently.

DENTURE CREAM CLASS ACTION LAWYERS

If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with zinc poisoning after using Fixodent, Super Poligrip or other types of adhesives, contact our lawyers to determine if compensation may be available through a denture cream class action suit. Symptoms of denture cream poisoning could include:

• Paralysis
• Numbness
• Loss of Sensation
• Tingling or Pain in Hands or Feet
• Muscle Weakness
• Loss of Balance
• Difficulty Walking
• Unexplained Pain or Weakness

>>REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION<<

>>INFORMATION: Denture Cream Poisoning Lawsuits

Studies have associated the use of adhesive denture cream products like Super PoliGrip and Fixodent to high exposure to zinc, which can lead to copper depletion and a number of debilitating neurological disorders like neuropathy, myelopathy, hypocupremia and other problems.

The risk associated with excess levels of zinc entering the body were well known at the time GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble added zinc as an ingredient. However, no warnings were ever provided about the risk of denture cream poisoning and they have continued to provide inadequate instructions about the proper use of their products.

Even after reports were received of users suffering from zinc poisoning and a number of lawsuits were filed, steps were still not taken to protect the public. After the filing of one of the first Super PoliGrip lawsuits, Glaxo released the following statement (emphasis added):

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare stands by the safety and efficacy of SUPER POLIGRIP®, which is approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although we can’t comment on this person’s claim, we want to assure consumers that SUPER POLIGRIP is safe and effective when used as directed. When someone uses SUPER POLIGRIP for their dentures, the vast majority of the zinc in the product remains in the adhesive and is not released into the mouth. Thus the potential for absorption of zinc throughout the gums is minimal. Although it is expected that a small amount of SUPER POLIGRIP would be swallowed when used as directed, the amount of zinc that is released into the stomach and absorbed into the bloodstream is very small. Therefore, the possibility of experiencing adverse effects from exposure to zinc in SUPER POLIGRIP is highly unlikely when the product is used as directed.

This statement is misleading and attempts to place blame for denture cream poisoning on the users for deviating from directed use. However, the manufacturers take no steps to provide directions that may prevent deviation from directed use or to notify consumers about the risk associated with overuse. In fact, many responsible denture wearers are unknowingly using substantially more of the adhesive cream than they need to, and the manufacturers have to be well aware of this.

Why didn’t Glaxo, or Proctor & Gamble for that matter, come out and take any steps to reduce the overuse of their products and ensure that they are “used as directed.” Unfortunately, it is likely another example of a corporation placing profits before consumer safety, knowing that with proper use consumers will likely only use one or two tubes per month, as opposed to one or two tubes per week (as many do).

FIXODENT AND POLIGRIP DENTURE CREAM POISONING LAWSUITS

The denture cream lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Super PoliGrip lawsuits and Fixodent lawsuits for users of the adhesive creams who have been diagnosed with zinc poisoning, neuropathy, myelopathy or other neurological injuries, with symptoms like:

• Weakness or Unexplained Pain
• Numbness, Tingling or Burning in the Hands and Feet (some describe it as feeling like they are wearing gloves or socks even when their skin is bare)
• Loss of Sensation
• Poor Balance or Lack of Coordination

To review a potential denture cream poisoning lawsuit and determine if financial compensation may be available, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.