GlaxoSmithKline Warns Consumers

GLAXOSMITHKLINE ANNOUNCES THAT IT WILL VOLUNTARILY REMOVE ZINC FROM POLIGRIP AND ALL OF ITS DENTURE CREAM PRODUCTS

Citing safety concerns, GlaxoSmithKline warned consumers on February 18, 2010 about the health risks associated with long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives and agreed to remove zinc from its products including Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care.

GlaxoSmithKline as well as Proctor & Gamble, makers of the popular denture adhesive Fixodent, have reason to be concerned about the safety of their products because they can cause zinc poisoning.

 A study in the journal Neurology, published in August of 2008 and co-authored by Dr. Sharon P. Nations of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, found that excess zinc intake through the use of denture creams can result in copper deficiency (hypocupremia) and permanent nerve damage (neuropathy).