Fixodent, Poligrip and other denture cream products can cause zinc poisoning and debilitating neurological injury when too much of the product is used. Denture cream lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of these products for failing to warn about the potential risks.
STATUS OF FIXODENT LAWSUITS AND POLIGRIP LAWSUITS:
A growing number of cases have been filed against the manufacturers of these adhesives, and denture cream lawyers are continuing to review potential cases on behalf of people who have been diagnosed with zinc poisoning or other neuropathy problems.
MANUFACTURERS: Two of the most popular denture adhesives sold in the United States that contain high levels of zinc include Proctor and Gamble’s Fixodent and GlaxoSmithKline’s Poligrip and Super Poligrip.
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OVERVIEW OF DENTURE CREAM PROBLEMS: Over 35 million Americans, mainly consisting of the elderly, use denture creams or adhesives to keep their dentures in place. High levels of zinc that are contained in these products may be absorbed into the body through the mouth and gums, potentially causing:
- Zinc Poisoning
- Neuropathy
- Myelopathy
- Anemia
- Bone Marrow Failure
- Central Nervous System Deficits
- Hypocupremia
- Other Neurological Injury
ZINC POISONING LAWSUITS: While the body requires small amounts of zinc, serious and debilitating health problems may occur when high levels are ingested. Increased levels of zinc may also cause reduced copper levels in the blood, known as hypocupremia, which may lead to neuropathy and affect the nerves.
According to a 2001 report by the National Academy of Sciences, 40 mg/day is the highest amount of zinc that can be safely tolerated, but the recommended daily allowance is only 11 mg/day for men and 8 mg/day for women.
Researchers have found that denture adhesive creams like Super Poligrip and Fixodent contain zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram. It has been estimated that users of these produts may be exposed to about 330 mg of zinc per day, far higher than the recommended amount or what has been determined to be safe.
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Zinc toxicity may cause symptoms such as
- Dizziness
- Incontinence
- Lethargy
- Paralysis
- Numbness
- Loss of Sensation
- Tingling in the Hands or Feet
- Muscle Weakness
- Unexplained Pain
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Blood tests can determine the level of zinc and copper in the body. It is important for a zinc overdose to be promptly detected and treated to reduce the risk of permanent and debilitating injury.