Super Poligrip Warning Updated to Include Zinc Risks

The warning included in packages of Super Poligrip denture cream has been updated to warn users about the risks of serious injury caused by exposure to high levels of zinc contained in the product.

Until now, the warning insert in Super Poligrip had not stated that the product contains zinc or warned about the risks of being exposed to excessive levels of the metal. About two dozen people have filed lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Super Poligrip, for medical problems associated with zinc exposure. The suits accuse the company of failing to warn users that zinc is in the product or cautioning about the risks of zinc exposure.

Zinc Poisoning Linked to Severe Medical Problems

Over time, use of Super Poligrip can allow enough zinc to enter the body to result in a severe condition called hypocupremia, which occurs when there are low levels of copper in the blood. Hypocupremia can result in permanent nerve damage and neuropathy. Also, people using Super Poligrip along with zinc supplements or vitamins containing large amounts of zinc are at increased risk of developing serious medical problems.

The new insert in the warning section of Super Poligrip packages warns users that the product contains zinc and encourages them to consult with a physician before using the denture cream if they are taking daily zinc supplements.

The new SuperPoligrip zinc warning says “using excessive amounts of this product over a prolonged period of time has been reported to result in serious health effects from increased zinc intake.”

The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 11 milligrams for men and 8 mg for women, with a maximum of 40 mg considered safe. But some denture creams have been found to expose users to levels as high as 330 mg per day, far above even the maximum amount deemed safe.

Zinc Exposure Symptoms

People suffering from zinc poisoning by using denture creams including Super PoliGrip and Fixodent have developed severe medical complications, including anemia, myelopathy, bone marrow failure, and central nervous system disorders. Common symptoms of zinc poisoning include numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, loss of sensation, loss of balance, paralysis, or difficulty breathing.

No related posts.