People are Dying from their Dentures So Glaxo Comes to Grips with Zinc

By: Wendy Moyer | Posted: 08th April 2010

If you wear dentures or you know someone who does then you might be shocked to learn that you could die from excessive use of denture adhesive creams. Denture adhesive creams are over the counter products that people apply to their dentures before putting them into their mouths. Most denture adhesive creams have zinc in their formulae - and that's at the root of the problem.

Although trace amounts of zinc are necessary in one's diet, excessive amounts can be harmful. People who have "problem dentures" often use a substantial amount of these adhesives to help hold their dentures in place. Unbeknownst to them, the more they use the higher their risk of injury or even death.

Chronic and excessive use of denture adhesive creams has been linked by researchers to a condition called hyperzincuria, or zinc poisoning. Hyperzincuria can lead to more serious and permanently disabling injuries including copper depletion (hypocupremia), nerve damage, and even death.

Perhaps because of this, the maker of Poligrip recently announced it will stop using zinc in three of its popular denture creams. The New York Times reported that due to potential health risks associated with the ingredient GlaxoSmithKline will stop making and selling its Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh, and Extra Care products while it develops a zinc-free reformulation.

In a statement, Glaxo calls the move voluntary and says the products are safe to use as directed. However, the company says it is taking the action "because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products."

Against the backdrop of potential personal injury claims, a number of law firms that specialize in personal injury law are urging retailers to remove affected products from their shelves

The Times writes that Glaxo faces a number of personal injury lawsuits alleging claims of nerve damage and other injuries from "high levels of zinc intake from the products."

Here are Seven Symptoms of Neuropathy (Nerve Damage):

1. Loss of sensation, numbness or tingling in the extremities

2. Unexplained weakness or pain in the extremities

3. Loss of ability to move legs, feet, arms, or hands

4. Poor balance and coordination, decrease in walking stride

5. Abnormal blood pressure and heart rate

6. Reduced ability to perspire, constipation and bladder dysfunction (urinary incontinence)

7. Loss of cognitive function

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms please see your medical practitioner as soon as possible. And, if you upon diagnosis it has been determined that you do have a neuropathic condition, then you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.


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Tags: new york times, health problems, nerve damage, extra care, personal injury law, law firms, excessive amounts, backdrop, potential health risks, dentures, adhesives, formulae, glaxosmithkline, trace amounts, personal injury lawsuits