Yourlawyer.com (Poligrip Lawsuit News)

Zinc in Fixodent, Super PoliGrip Linked to Nerve Damage By Another Study

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Super PoliGrip, Fixodent and other denture creams have been associated with nerve damage and the development of neurological problems, according to a study published earlier this fall in the journal "NeuroToxicology." The study, conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University and the University of Michigan, involved 11 patients, all of whom had a history of ill-fitting dentures, and used large amounts of products like Super PoliGrip and Fixodent, resulting in significant zinc exposure.

Super PoliGrip, Fixodent and other denture creams are made with zinc. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of zinc can result in copper depletion and serious negative adverse neurological effects.

The11 patients detailed in the "NeuroToxicology" article all had suffered from significant injuries and neurological disorders for a period of years. The study authors discovered that all 11 patients had used a zinc-containing denture cream, such as Fixodent or Super PoliGrip, to keep their dentures in place. Blood test confirmed that each suffered from zinc poisoning and copper deficiency.

After the 11 patients stopped using denture creams, their zinc and copper levels normalized. This led the study authors to conclude that: "Inappropriate use of denture cream appears to be the sole source of excessive zinc in these patient." Sadly, even after they stopped using denture cream, the neurological condition of the 11 patients did not improve, and was seemingly irreversible.

This "NeuroToxicology" study is not the first to point to a link between products like Super PoliGrip and Fixodent, and neurological disorders. In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. All of the patients had been using excessive amounts of denture cream for many years. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.

Over the past year or so, hundreds of victims of zinc-containing denture creams have filed suit against the makers of Super PoliGrip and Fixodent. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use. Earlier this year, Super PoliGrip and Fixodent lawsuits were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).

New Super PoliGrip Insert Says Denture Cream Contains Zinc, Warns of Excessive Use

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Packages of Super PoliGrip now include an insert informing users that the popular denture cream contains zinc, and warning that using excessive amounts may cause health problems.

Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Super PoliGrip and other zinc-containing denture creams by people who claim they sustained neurological injuries from the products. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of zinc can result in copper depletion - a condition known as hypocupremia - and serious negative adverse neurological effects.

In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal "Neurology" reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL. The article specifically linked excess zinc in Super PoliGrip to "profound neurologic disease" in the patients reviewed.

Until now, the packaging of Super PoliGrip made no mention of the zinc contained in the product, or the potential health problems associated with it. The new insert in Super PoliGrip packages now advises that the product contains zinc, and cautions users to talk with their doctor if they use zinc supplements. It warns that using excessive amounts of the adhesive over a long-period of time could result in "serious health effects".

The insert also includes directions for using Super PoliGrip, as well as diagrams and an illustration of the "proper" amount that should be used. The directions tell users that Super PoliGrip should only be used once a day, and that a tube of Super PoliGrip should last several weeks, depending on size. The insert also reassures users that swallowing small amounts of Super PoliGrip can occur, and is not harmful.

Denture cream lawsuits claim the manufacturers Super PoliGrip and similar products did not adequately warn users about the risks posed by zinc in the products. About 30 such lawsuits have been consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).

Denture Creams May Cause Nerve Damage, Neuropathy

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Not many Americans have heard of denture cream poisoning A rare ailment, denture cream zinc poisoning can cause serious and debilitating nerve damage. The disorder is associated with excessive exposure to zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent.

Denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip contain zinc as a bonding agent. People who ingest too much zinc run the risk of copper depletion. That condition can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in hands and feet, balance and coordination problems, and pain and weakness in the extremities. When it is really severe, the nerve damage caused by denture cream zinc poisoning can eventually lead to neuropathy, a debilitating disorder.

Currently, 25 denture cream poisoning lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. The lawsuits allege that the zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent caused plaintiffs to suffer a serious copper deficiency which in turn led to neurological problems. The lawsuits also claim that the makers of these products did not provide adequate warnings about their potential dangers and that no corrective steps were taken. It is likely that more denture cream lawsuits will be filed in the coming weeks and months.

About 35 million Americans wear dentures. Unfortunately, most don't realize that using too much denture cream can be dangerous. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not require denture adhesive cream manufacturers to include warnings about the problem on their labels. In fact, the FDA does not even require that denture cream labels list ingredients.

In 2008, the journal Neurology published a study that found a link between zinc-containing denture creams and neuropathy. The study involved four patients who, according to researchers at the University of Texas, used an average of two tubes of denture adhesive every week. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL.

Unfortunately, the damage the patients suffered was not easily reversed. To treat symptoms, one patient took copper supplements but didn’t stop using denture cream. His copper levels improved, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in his neurological symptoms. A second patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.

Another patient’s neurological symptoms included weakness in the hands and poor balance, while another had weakness in her arms and legs that made her wheelchair dependent, along with cognitive decline and urinary incontinence. These patients showed “mild neurologic improvement” after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.

It is vital that anyone who uses zinc denture creams like Poligrip or Fixodent be aware of the dangers posed by these products. Often the symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning mimic other neurological diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. Denture cream users who experience numbness and tingling in their arms and legs, balance and movement problems, or any other neurological symptoms should ask their doctor to run blood tests to determine zinc an copper levels in order e to rule out or confirm denture cream poisoning.

25 Denture Cream Lawsuits Pending, More Filings Expected

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

More than two dozen denture cream lawsuits from 11 states have been consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation in Federal court in Miami, Florida. According to the Associated Press, the lawsuits allege that zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent caused plaintiffs to suffer a serious copper deficiency which in turn lead to neurological problems.

As we've reported previously, a small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion. According to the Associated Press, copper deficiency can lead to symptoms like weakness and numbness in arms and legs; difficulty walking and loss of balance; and even cognitive or memory impairment.

These types of problems were seen in four patients detailed in a 2008 article that appeared in the journal, “Neurology.” All of the patients had been using excessive amounts of denture cream for many years. It was determined that exposure to zinc in denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms. The authors of the article called for further study of the issue.

According to the Associated Press, a tube of denture cream should last around 10 weeks. But many people who have suspected cases of denture cream poisoning used excessive amounts of the products to keep loose fitting dentures in place. The American Dental Association advises against the overuse of denture adhesives to correct fit problems

Both GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, and Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, claim their products are safe if used correctly. But lawsuits filed by alleged victims of denture cream poisoning claim the makers of these products did not provide adequate warnings about their potential dangers and that no corrective steps were taken, the Associated Press said.

Currently, 25 denture cream poisoning lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. But according to an attorney representing victims, more are likely to be filed. A hearing in the litigation is scheduled for next month, the Associated Press said.

NYT Article Highlights Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Nightmare

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Denture creams that contain zinc, including Poligrip and Fixodent, have been associated with severe neurological disorders. Recently, The New York Times published an account of one woman's ordeal with denture cream zinc poisoning. The article illustrates just how devastating this condition can be.

A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion. When this is severe, neurological problems can result, as was seen in a 2008 study that appeared in the journal, “Neurology.” The article reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.

According to the account in The New York Times, excess use of denture cream caused a 64-year-old woman to experience problems with movement and balance. In addition, her feet were numb, and she had lost the ability to feel hot, cold or a light touch from her knees to her feet. The cause of her condition was a mystery until her doctor realized she was using large amounts of denture cream.

The patient was put through a raft of diagnostic tests, including an MRI. Cancer, a B12 deficiency, and even West Nile virus were ruled out as possible causes. But according to The New York Times, blood tests for these conditions yielded an important clue: Levels of copper and zinc in the woman's blood were seriously off. In fact, she had almost no copper, and zinc was at twice the normal level, the Times said.

The patient's doctor surmised that her copper deficiency - especially considering its severity - was at the root of her neurological symptoms. He also realized the excess zinc in her blood was responsible for the deficiency. Finally, upon interviewing the woman, he learned that she regularly used large amounts of zinc-containing denture cream to keep loose fitting dentures in place. In fact, according to the Times, for years, the patient routinely used an entire tube every day or so.

Once the cause of her problem was determined, the patient switched to a cream that did not contain zinc. According to the Times, a year later the patient is feeling better, but is undergoing physical therapy because she still has difficulty walking.

This article illustrates just how difficult it can be to diagnose denture cream zinc poisoning. In this case, the patient's doctor didn't even know about the ailment until he encountered it for the first time with this victim. For this reason, anyone who uses denture cream and suffers from neurological problems should ask their doctor to order blood tests to determine if their zinc and copper levels are abnormal.

It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning. They include:

numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
unexplained pain in the extremities;
a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
change or decrease in walking stride;
abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
reduced ability to perspire;
constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
sexual dysfunction.

Zinc in Poligrip, Fixodent Could Cause Neurologic Health Problems

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Denture creams, like Poligrip and Fixodent, have been associated with a variety of neurologic health problems. According to recent research, the zinc used in these denture creams appears to be behind many such ailments.

A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet.   However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion.   When this is severe, neurological problems can result. In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal, “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.

The symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning include:

•   numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
•   a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
•   unexplained pain in the extremities;
•   a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
•   change or decrease in walking stride;
•   abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
•   reduced ability to perspire;
•   constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
•   sexual dysfunction.

If you use denture cream, and suffer any of these problems, it is important that you undergo blood tests to determine zinc and copper levels. This especially important because denture cream zinc poisoning can mimic many other disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, and is often misdiagnosed.

Several lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Poligrip and Fixodent by people who claim to have been sickened by the zinc in these products, and it is expected that many more will be filed in the coming months. Earlier this summer, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order consolidating all such federal lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP Partner to Take a Lead Role in Denture Cream Lawsuits

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Andres F. Alonso, Esq., a partner in the law firm of Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, and Scott Wm. Weinstein Esq., a partner in Morgan & Morgan P.A, were appointed Co-Lead Counsel to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation.

Mr. Alonso has consistently obtained large verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements for his clients. Just this week Mr. Alonso received a 60 million dollar verdict in the New York State Supreme Court, Bronx County for his client.

Lawsuits against the makers of zinc-containing denture creams have been consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation, and transferred to the Southern District of Florida (MDL 2051). This litigation is based on the premise that some denture creams/adhesives - including Fixodent ® and PoliGrip ® - contain zinc, which in excess, can deplete copper levels in the body and lead to serious neurological problems. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of zinc can result in serious negative adverse neurological effects. In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal, "Neurology" reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.

In an order filed on July 13, 2009, Judge Cecilia Altonaga, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida appointed as Lead Counsel to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation, Andres F. Alonso Esq., a partner in Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, and Scott Wm. Weinstein Esq., a partner in Morgan & Morgan P.A.

Co-Lead Counsel’s responsibility is to represent the interests of all plaintiffs who have alleged injury, or damages, as a result of using one or more of the various denture cream products on the market today. They will coordinate the activities of plaintiffs during pretrial proceedings and control, administer, and supervise the litigation.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is a leading national law firm concentrating primarily in negligence and personal injury matters, mass torts, defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices, products liability, construction and consumer litigation. The firm has offices in Florida, New York and New Jersey, and represents plaintiffs nationwide.

Poligrip, Fixodent Lawsuits Consolidated

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Denture cream lawsuits against the makers of Poligrip and Fixodent have been consolidated in a Multidristrict Litigation, and transferred to the Southern District of Florida. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits all allege that zinc in Poligrip and Fixodent caused them to suffer a variety of neurological problems.

As we've been reporting for some time, evidence supporting the link between zinc-containing denture creams and neurological problems has been building. For instance, a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology found that four neuropathy patients who had used excessive amounts of denture cream had extremely high levels of zinc in their blood. Their use of denture cream was the only thing the patients had in common, besides their neuropathy. The researchers from the University of Texas who conducted the study concluded that the use of denture cream was the only “plausible explanation” for the patients’ high zinc levels and copper deficiencies.

Symptoms of zinc denture cream poisoning include:

• numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
• a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
• unexplained pain in the extremities;
• a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.

So far, GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, has been named in 10 denture cream zinc poisoning lawsuits. Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, has been named in two. But it is likely that many more will be filed in the coming months. Earlier this month, we reported that one law firm, Morgan & Morgan, had told the National Law Journal that it was in the process of evaluating about 3,000 such cases and is nearly ready to file about 40 others. It has partnered with two other firms, including New York-based Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, that together also have about 75 denture cream lawsuits ready to go.

On May 28, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Louisville, Kentucky held hearings about possibly consolidating all federal lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble in a single jurisdiction. In a transfer order issued last week, the Panel ruled that centralization of the cases in an MDL was appropriate due to the common questions of fact involved in the various cases. As a result, all Poligrip and Fixodent lawsuits currently pending in federal court, as well any new cases filed, will be transferred to District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga in the Southern District of Florida.

The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation of the United States Courts was created in 1968. Since then, it has consolidated hundreds of thousands of lawsuits that involved high numbers of plaintiffs, including litigation over asbestos, breast implants and other matters. A multidistrict litigation (MDL) allows all cases to be coordinated under one judge for pretrial litigation to avoid duplicative discovery, inconsistent rulings and to conserve the resources of the parties, witnesses and the court. When lawsuits are consolidated as an MDL each retains its own identity. If the MDL process does not resolve the cases, they are transferred back to the court where they originated for trial.

Poligrip, Fixodent Lawsuits Claiming Zinc Poisoning Being Filed Around the Country

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Poligrip and Fixodent denture creams have been named in a number of lawsuit filed in federal courts around the country that allege exposure to zinc in the products caused users to suffer from neuropathy and other neurological problems. According to the National Law Journal, the lawsuits name GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, and Proctor and Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, as defendants.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuits contend that the zinc in denture cream can cause copper deficiency, and that in turn can lead to severe neurological problems. As we've reported previously, a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology found that four neuropathy patients who had used excessive amounts of denture cream had extremely high levels of zinc in their blood. Their use of denture cream was the only thing the patients had in common, besides their neuropathy. The researchers from the University of Texas who conducted the study concluded that the use of denture cream was the only “plausible explanation” for the patients' high zinc levels and copper deficiencies.

Symptoms of zinc denture cream poisoning include:

• numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
• a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
• unexplained pain in the extremities;
• a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.

Most of the more than 35 million Americans who wear dentures have no idea that denture adhesives can be dangerous. Because denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip are considered to be a Class I medical device, the Food & Drug Administration does not require their labels to warn that excessive use may lead to zinc poisoning and neurological problems.

According to the National Law Journal, a dozen denture cream lawsuits are now pending in federal courts in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and others are on the way. One law firm, Morgan & Morgan, told the Journal that it is in the process of evaluating about 3,000 such cases and is nearly ready to file about 40. It has partnered with two other firms, including New York-based Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, that together have about 75 denture cream lawsuits ready to go, the National Law Journal said.

On May 28, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Louisville, Kentucky held hearings about possibly consolidating all federal lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble in a single jurisdiction.

Poligrip Lawsuit Poligrip Lawyer

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Poligrip Lawsuit / Lawyers

PoliGrip lawsuits have been filed by scores of people who claim that exposure to zinc in the popular denture cream products caused nerve damage, neuropathy and other serious injuries. Our PoliGrip lawyers have taken on a leading role in this litigation, and we continue to offer free lawsuit consultations to the victims of this denture cream. If you use a PoliGrip denture adhesive product, and have been diagnosed with neuropathy or other nerve damage, our PoliGrip lawsuit lawyers want to hear from you right away.

Our PoliGrip lawyers have already filed numerous lawsuits on behalf of people who suffered serious and debilitating injuries because of excessive exposure to zinc in Poligrip denture cream products. In most every case, plaintiffs in PoliGrip lawsuits were not aware that these products even contained zinc, let alone that they could pose serious health risks. In fact, it was only recently that GlaxoSmithKline began providing Super PoliGrip users with this information. Our PoliGrip lawsuit lawyers are working hard to make sure that Glaxo is held accountable for failing to warn consumers about Poligrip dangers.

If you or someone you love has used a PoliGrip denture cream product, and now suffer from neuropathy or other neurological conditions that may have been caused by zinc in PoliGrip, you may be entitled to compensation. We urge you to contact our PoliGrip lawyers to discuss filing a PoliGrip lawsuit today.

Poligrip Zinc Poisoning

It is estimated that 35 million Americans wear dentures, and many - if not most - use denture adhesives like PoliGrip to keep them in place. Unfortunately, few are aware that excessive exposure to zinc in PoliGrip and similar products can lead to health problems. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of zinc can result in copper depletion – a condition known as hypocupremia – and serious negative adverse neurological effects.

In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. The article specifically linked excess zinc in Super PoliGrip to “profound neurologic disease” in the patients reviewed.

Our clients who have filed PoliGrip lawsuits have all suffered from symptoms typical of zinc poisoning. These include:

numbness or tingling in the feet legs, hands, and/or arms
a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands
unexplained pain in the extremities
a tendency to stumble or fall down
instability and lack of balance
change or decrease in walking stride
abnormal blood pressure and heart rate
reduced ability to perspire
bowel and bladder dysfunction

Many of our Poligrip lawsuit clients have sustained profound and permanent neurological injuries, which have left them unable to perform their normal, customary, and daily activities. Our PoliGrip lawyers believe these disorders are directly linked to excessive exposure to zinc in PoliGrip.

The symptoms of PoliGrip zinc poisoning mimic other neurological diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. And because so many victims are elderly, this problem can be mistaken for many other geriatric diseases. A mistaken diagnosis can have serious consequences for the victims of PoliGrip zinc poisoning, as early treatment is the only way to reverse the damage done. Waiting too long - and continuing to use PoliGrip - will eventually lead to permanent disability.

If you or someone you care about uses PoliGrip or any other denture cream, you should ask your doctor to test zinc and copper levels in your blood if you experience any type of neurological problems. Also, if you have ill-fitting dentures, you really shouldn't rely on products like PoliGrip to keep them in place. If you have to apply large amounts of denture adhesive, or use products like PoliGrip more than once a day, you likely need to have your dentures refitted. People who have used excessive amounts of PoliGrip over a long period of time are the most susceptible to zinc poisoning.

New Super Poligrip Warning

Many of our PoliGrip lawsuit clients would not have used these denture cream products had they known about their serious risks. Unfortunately, it was only once consumers began filing PoliGrip lawsuits that Glaxo finally started warning of the risks associated with Super PoliGrip. For many people, including those currently represented by our PoliGrip lawyers, the caution about zinc in Super Poligrip came too late.

The new Super PoliGrip warning, which came in the form of a package insert, was added to the denture cream in the fall of 2009. The new insert in Super PoliGrip packages now advises that the product contains zinc, and cautions users to talk with their doctor if they use zinc supplements. It warns that using excessive amounts of the adhesive over a long-period of time could result in “serious health effects”.

The insert also includes directions for using Super PoliGrip, as well as diagrams and an illustration of the “proper” amount that should be used. The directions tell users that Super PoliGrip should only be used once a day, and that a tube of Super PoliGrip should last several weeks, depending on size.

Leading Poligrip Lawyers

Our PoliGrip lawyers have taken on a leading role in the fight for consumers injured by zinc in PoliGrip and similar denture creams. In the summer of 2009, all lawsuits pending in federal court against the makers of PoliGrip and other zinc-containing denture creams were consolidated in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, Miami Division as a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 2051). An MDL allows all cases to be coordinated under one judge for pretrial litigation to avoid duplicative discovery, inconsistent rulings and to conserve the resources of the parties, witnesses and the court. The Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation is being presided over by the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga.

Andres F. Alonso, Esq., a partner with our firm, was appointed one of two Co-Lead Counsels to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation by Judge Altonaga in an order filed on July 13, 2009. Co-Lead Counsels' responsibility is to represent the interests of all plaintiffs who have alleged injury, or damages, as a result of using one or more of the various denture cream products on the market today. Mr. Alonso, along with the other Co-Lead Counsel appointed by Judge Altonaga, will coordinate the activities of plaintiffs during pretrial proceedings and control, administer, and supervise the litigation.

Legal Help for Victims of Poligrip

Our PoliGrip lawyers are continuing to offer free lawsuit evaluations to the victims of denture cream zinc poisoning. If you or a loved one uses or have used PoliGrip or another zinc-containing denture cream, and now suffer from neurological problems, please contact our PoliGrip lawyers by filling out our online form. Free case evaluations are also available by calling 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636).