GlaxoSmithKline Removing Zinc from Denture Cream

February 18, 2010, 2:00PM. By Heidi Turner

Washington, DCGlaxoSmithKline announced that it is removing zinc from denture cream following numberous allegations of denture cream zinc poisoning. Zinc poisoning has been linked to serious neurological and blood problems.

According to the Associated Press on 2/13/10, GlaxoSmithKline will stop manufacturing and marketing Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care products in the US while it reformulates them without zinc. A consumer advisory at gsk.com notes that the company decided to remove zinc from its denture adhesives "because we have become aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products."

GlaxoSmithKline defended the products as safe when used as instructed.

However, many people use more cream than directed to help keep loose-fitting dentures in place. One tube is intended to last approximately six weeks, but some patients reportedly go through denture cream much more quickly than that.

GlaxoSmithKline currently faces lawsuits alleging that the use of Poligrip resulted in nerve damage, loss of sensation in the limbs and paralysis. Although removing zinc from the denture adhesive will help patients who have not yet developed nerve damage, it may be too late for those who have already been affected by excessive zinc in their systems.

The issue is that consumers who used more of the product than recommended may have ingested excessive amounts of zinc. Excessive zinc can result in copper deficiency, which can cause anemia, loss of balance and neurological problems.

Some patients allege they now require a wheelchair because zinc poisoning robbed them of the ability to walk. Lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline claim the company failed to warn consumers about the risks of using their products.

Procter & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, has so far not announced that it will remove zinc from its denture adhesive.

Zinc-free versions of the products will be available in packaging printed with the words "Zinc Free," according to GlaxoSmithKline. People who have used greater than recommended amounts for several years should switch to a zinc-free product and talk to their doctors, the company says.