posted by on Aug 31
Denture Cream Class Action
High levels of zinc in denture cream adhesives are to blame for zinc poisoning, neuropathy, and other neurological problems, according to a denture cream class action filed in 2009. With 35 million denture adhesive users in the United States, this denture cream class action may turn out to be a major class action. Makers of Super Poligrip and Fixodent are both named in denture cream class actions which hinge on a 2008 study published in the jounal Neurology.
The study showed subjects who had developed neurological problems associated with zinc poisoning. The subjects had all used large amounts of denture cream adhesive like Fixodent and Poligrip. Poligrip is made by GlaxoSmithKline and Fixodent is made by Proctor and Gamble. The plaintiffs in the Poligrip class action are Michael Lowe and Marlon J. Bond. Plaintiffs in the Fixodent denture cream class action are Sandra Williams, Diane M. Bates and Retha Jones.
When denture wearers use denture adhesive cream, they may ingest zinc or absorb it through the gums and mouth. Increased zinc levels in the body will lower copper levels, leading to neurological problems, and possibly to the user becoming disabled. Sometimes zinc poisoning leads to a state where the user has to remain in a wheelchair for life.
Symptoms of zinc poisoning include:
- unexplained pain
- numbness
- paralysis
- tingling in the hands or feet
- dizziness
- loss of sensation
- muscle weakness
- lethargy
Since the first denture cream class action was filed in 2009 in the State of Tennessee, the makers of Super Poligrip have produced a zinc-free denture adhesive. Plaintiffs are asking GlaxoSmithKline to pay for medical testing, medical monitoring, and treatment for zinc poisoning. They claim that makers of denture cream failed to warn them of risks of high zinc levels in their product. Both Poligrip and Fixodent are among the most widely used denture cream adhesives.