SUPER POLIGRIP Zinc Poisoning

Super Poligrip is a denture adhesive its maker, GlaxoSmithKline, claims "holds all day." Excessive intake over a long period of time of zinc, one of the ingredients that was added to improve its holding power, however, has been suggested by recent publications to lead potentially to the development of neurological symptoms.

At the time that zinc was added in Poligrip, it was accepted within the medical community that excess zinc could pose health problems. And there is some evidence suggesting that GlaxoSmithKline was aware that large amounts of zinc could be absorbed by the body from their Super Poligrip products. Yet the company failed to warn consumers or make sure they were not overusing the products.

Some denture wearers who use Super Poligrip or similar denture adhesives may be exposed to an estimated 330 mg of zinc daily. The recommended daily allowance of zinc is less than 8mg for women and 11 mg for men, and the National Academy of Sciences sets the largest tolerable intake at 40 mg.

Zinc poisoning (hyperzincemia) can cause copper depletion (hypocupremia), which can result in often irreversible neurological damage. Symptoms of hyperzincemia include:

• Numbness
• Tingling or pain
• A "pins and needles" sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of Balance
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis

Following are among the allegations that were made against GlaxoSmithKline in recent lawsuits involving Super Poligrip users diagnosed with neuropathy and myelopathy:

• Super Poligrip has dangerously high levels of zinc that led to hyperzincemia
• GlaxoSmithKline failed to inform the claimants that Super Poligrip contains zinc
• GlaxoSmithKline failed to warn about the risk of zinc poisoning from the use of Super Poligrip
• GlaxoSmithKline failed to inform the claimants of the correct use and dosage of Super Poligrip (people with poorly fitting dentures tend to use more denture adhesive)

GlaxoSmithKline has announced that it will launch zinc-free alternatives of its Super Poligrip products. But that is no solace for those who already suffer from irreversible neurological problems, or who are not fully aware of the health risks, associated with using zinc-containing denture adhesives.

If you or a loved one has suffered any symptoms associated with zinc poisoning after using Poligrip or similar denture cream products, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.

See also:
Fixodent Zinc poisoning