Fixodent Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning

People who use denture cream and other denture adhesives may be at a risk of denture cream poisoning, according to a study published in the journal Neurology in 2008. That study found a risk of zinc build-up in users of denture cream, which can result in neurological problems. Products linked to the denture cream poisoning include PoliGrip, Super PoliGrip and Fixodent denture adhesive.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in October 2011, about the risk of adverse events, including nerve damage, linked to overuse of denture adhesives. The agency warned that use of two or more tubes a week of denture adhesive that contains zinc could be linked to an increased risk of adverse events and noted that extra adhesive should not be used to keep dentures in place. The agency also noted that denture cream manufacturers should include zinc on their list of ingredients if their product contains the mineral.

Lawsuits have been filed against the makers of denture adhesives, including Fixodent, PoliGrip, and Super PoliGrip, alleging the products caused zinc poisoning that led to severe and disabling injuries. The lawsuits were filed following the release of research that linked overuse of denture creams to neurological problems.

In the paper, published in Neurology in 2008, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, state, "Denture cream contains zinc, and chronic excessive use may result in hypocupremia and serious neurologic disease." Researchers also found a risk of hyperzincemia.

Hyperzincemia is zinc toxicity while hypocupremia refers to abnormally low levels of copper in a person's blood.

The researchers found that in the denture-wearing patients they studied, the residual zinc levels were higher than normal—in the range of 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL. Levels of 1.10 microgram per mL are considered normal.

One patient complained of weakness in the arms and legs, so much so that she had become wheelchair dependant. She had also developed urinary incontinence and cognitive decline. Another patient complained of weakness in the feet and hands and poor balance. All the patients in the study had been using denture creams for years, and often excessively.

Results from tests done using the denture creams the patients used revealed zinc levels between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram. The researchers concluded that this was the only "plausible explanation" for the patients abnormally high zinc levels.

Products that are allegedly linked to zinc poisoning include PoligGrip, Super PoliGrip and Fixodent. Symptoms of excess zinc include weakness in the hands, arms and legs, poor balance, lack of coordination, numbness, tingling, pain and a burning sensation.

Patients who suspect they have zinc toxicity should see their doctor right away and have testing conducted as soon as possible to confirm whether or not they have hyperzincemia or hypocupremia.

To be eligible for a lawsuit against denture cream makers, you must have a blood test to determine the levels of zinc and copper in your system. It is important these tests are done while you are still using the denture cream because the copper and zinc levels could return to normal once the cream is discontinued, even if permanent damage has already been caused. If your zinc levels return to normal—despite the presence of permanent injury—it is almost impossible to prove that denture cream has caused zinc poisoning.

Therefore, if you are using denture cream with zinc and have symptoms of neuropathy or neurological damage, talk to your doctor about having a blood test to determine the zinc and copper levels in your system. If you have already stopped using the denture cream, talk to a doctor as soon as possible about having the blood tests conducted.

Fixodent Denture Adhesive Cream Poisoning Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered adverse health effects related to the use of denture creams, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Oct-7-11