| PRODUCT LIABILITY: POLIGRIP, SUPER POLIGRIP AND FIXODENT INJURIES Feldman Shepherd Wohlgelernter Tanner Weinstock & Dodig LLP personal injury attorneys represent individuals who have developed neurological problems and zinc poisoning as a result of the use of zinc-containing denture adhesive products like Poligrip, Super Poligrip and Fixodent. The firm's product liability department is reviewing other potential claims relating to GlaxoSmithKline’s recalled products.
Due to the risks of zinc poisoning, GlaxoSmithKline voluntarily stopped manufacturing, marketing and advertising three denture adhesive products containing zinc on February 18, 2010. That same day, GlaxoSmithKline sent a letter to doctors warning them of the health risks posed by "long-term excessive use" of "zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Poligrip 'Original', Super Poligrip 'Ultra Fresh' and Super Poligrip 'Extra Care.'" The letter stated that in 2009, the company had "received an increased number of adverse event reports." This along with recent medical literature suggests that there are serious dangers associated with the products.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. However, recent research suggests that long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesive like Poligrip, Super Poligrip and Fixodent may lead to the development of neurological symptoms. These symptoms may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance and blood problems such as anemia.
An estimate 35 million Americans use denture creams on a daily basis and are now becoming aware of the risk of denture cream poisoning caused by a zinc overdose. If you or someone you know has been affected by zinc-containing denture adhesive, contact our product liability lawyers, Alan M. Feldman or Mark W. Tanner for a free consultation.
Zinc Poisoning Side Effects
Many people with dentures rely on denture creams and adhesives. Some of these products contain zinc like Poligrip, Super Poligrip and Fixodent. If too much of the zinc is ingested, individuals may eventually experience copper depletion. People who suffer from chronic low levels of copper in their blood can also develop severe neurological problems, including neuropathy which is characterized by the following symptoms:
- abnormal blood pressure
- abnormal heart rate
- bladder dysfunction
- constipation
- loss of ability to move one’s extremities, tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, feet and legs
- loss of coordination
- poor balance
- reduced ability to perspire / lack of sweating
Neuropathy is painful and can cause permanent disability.
If you or a loved one have developed a neurological problem as a result of the use of zinc-containing denture creams like Poligrip, Super Poligrip and/or Fixodent, it is crucial that you contact an experienced trial lawyer immediately. Our dedicated product liability lawyers can help you obtain all of the compensation to which you may be entitled. This might include money for pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical bills and lost wages or other financial damages.
At Feldman Shepherd, we are committed to obtaining the best possible recovery for our clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
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