Poligrip denture cream has ruined the health of countless people. More than 35 million Americans wear dentures, and many rely on Poligrip to keep them in place. Some victims now rely on wheelchairs or have become bedridden. Poligrip zinc poisoning victims often have no choice but to move to a nursing home because their disability leaves them unable to take care of their basic needs.
Unfortunately, for years GlaxoSmithKline did not even bother to list zinc as an ingredient on Poligrip's label. And the Food & Drug Administration has never required the makers of denture creams to warn that excessive zinc exposure can lead to copper deficiency, nerve damage and neuropathy. As a result, for decades, millions of people used Poligrip day after day without knowing they were putting their health at risk.
Your Poligrip Lawsuit
GlaxoSmithKline needs to be held accountable for this negligence. The victims of Poligrip zinc poisoning deserve to be compensated for their medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. That's why our firm is working so hard to file Poligrip lawsuits on their behalf.
Poligrip Zinc Poisoning Symptoms
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 of these symptoms:
- 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
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 product 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.
University of Texas Study
Unfortunately, few people - including doctors - even know that products like Poligrip can lead to serious neurological problems. But thanks to the work of researchers at the University of Texas, more are learning of the problem.
In August 2008, these researchers published a study in the journal "Neurology" that 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 creams was likely responsible for their symptoms. Blood tests revealed that all of the subjects suffered from excessive zinc and insufficient copper levels. Only two patients showed "mild neurological improvement" after they began taking copper supplements and stopped using denture creams, while the others had no improvement whatsoever despite similar treatment.
Thanks to this study, the media began reporting on the problems caused by the zinc in Poligrip. We expect that over the next several years, doctors will begin diagnosing Poligrip zinc poisoning far more frequently than in the past.
Legal Help for Victims of Poligrip Zinc Poisoning
If you or someone you love has used Poligrip and suffers from neurological problems typical of zinc poisoning, you may be eligible to file a Poligrip lawsuit. Please visit www.yourlawyer.com or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) as soon as possible to discuss your case with one of our Poligrip lawsuit lawyers.