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GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Warning Consumers

By Paul Napoli

February 18, 2010

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare is warning consumers about the potential health risks associated with long-term excessive use of the company's zinc-containing denture adhesive Super Poligrip in Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care varieties. GSK also announced plans to reformulate the Super Poligrip products to zinc-free versions.

The GSK Consumer Advisory issued today says, 'While zinc is an essential part of the diet, recent publications suggest that an excessive intake of zinc-containing denture adhesives over several years may lead to the development of neurological symptoms and blood problems such as anemia. Neurological symptoms may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs and difficulties with walking and balance.'

GSK also reassures consumers in the advisory that its zinc-containing products are safe to use as directed on the product label.

Lawsuits have been filed against both GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Super Poligrip, and Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing Corp., the maker of Fixodent, on behalf of denture cream users who have experienced adverse side effects from these zinc-containing denture creams. The suits allege that the manufacturers failed to disclose the presence of zinc in the product or to warn consumers to risks associated with the product's use.

Zinc is an essential mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. A wide variety of foods contain zinc, such as red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, certain types of seafood (such as crab, lobster and oysters), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. The National Institute of Health's Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of zinc for an adult over 19 years of age is 11mg for men and 8mg for women. Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), which is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects, for an adult over 19 years of age is 40mg. Some researchers estimate that people who use excessive amounts of denture adhesive to secure ill-fitting dentures may be exposed to 330 mg of zinc daily, far above the RDA and UL of National Institute of Health.

Increased levels of zinc in the body can interfere with copper and iron absorption, which is known to increase the risk of significant neurological diseases. Zinc also adversely interacts with other medications, including interfering with the absorption of quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, and the rheumatoid arthritis drug penicillamine.

'The safety of our consumers is our primary concern. We are taking this action because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products. These reports are rare, given that several million people worldwide are users of the products. If anyone is concerned that they may have been using the product in excess they should stop using it, talk to their doctor and switch to a zinc-free alternative,' said Dr Howard Marsh, Chief Medical Officer of GSK Consumer Healthcare, in the company's press release.

Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing Corp. has not announced any plans to alter the formulation of the company's zinc-containing Fixodent denture cream product.

If you or a loved one used Super Poligrip or Fixodent and experienced numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, loss of sensation, loss of balance, paralysis, difficulty breathing or other neurological symptoms, your denture cream may have caused it. Doctors do not always attribute these symptoms to zinc poisoning, especially because most denture users are elderly. Certain tests are needed to understand if zinc poisoning has contributed to your medical condition.

When a product causes serious injury or death, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling product liability cases. Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Call Napoli Bern Ripka LLP today at 888-529-4669 to discuss your case and determine if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on February 21, 2010 (boomark / email).