Despite the numerous people seeking a Fixodent lawsuit settlement from Procter Gamble, the denture cream manufacturer has yet to remove zinc from its popular lineup of denture pastes. But as evidence linking denture adhesive zinc to health problems mounts and federal regulators become more concerned about the issue, PG may not be able to stand pat for much longer.
Since 2008 a number of studies have been published that suggest a causal link between the zinc contained in some denture creams and the development of health problems that include neurological damage and blood disorders. Most recently, a meta-analysis performed by University of Maryland researchers and published in the March/April issue of the journal General Dentistry concluded that existing scientific literature on the health effects of denture cream “should be a matter of concern for all dentists caring for denture patients.” The release of this study followed closely a notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to denture cream manufacturers that strongly recommended a number of actions, including reformulating their adhesive products to be zinc-free.
Although GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Poligrip, announced its intentions to make denture creams without zinc last year, PG still makes Fixodent with zinc. The company has, however, noted that “…zinc-containing denture adhesives might be associated with certain safety concerns,” and that it is “carefully considering the FDA’s recommended actions.” Although none of those recommended actions include denture cream manufacturers performing safety testing on their products, Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health, says that in some cases, the agency can order product manufacturers to conduct safety tests. Currently, however, the FDA has not made a decision on whether to order denture cream makers to perform clinical trials or reformulate their products.
Whether or not the FDA is waiting for more conclusive evidence of denture cream’s adverse health effects before mandating stronger action on the product remains unclear. But for those who claim their health has been compromised by products like Fixodent and Poligrip, there is no doubt that the products cause very real pain and suffering. One of those people is Marsh Hill of Irving, Texas who claims to have been poisoned by denture paste. She told WFAA News 8, “I can’t get out of bed, I can’t take care of my kids, I can’t get a job. Yeah, yeah, it’s definitely had an impact on my life.”
Sadly, Hill’s account is not uncommon among denture cream users who, facing debilitating injury, have chosen to sue denture cream manufacturers for damages. Many of those cases have been consolidated for pretrial litigation and one of the first is set to go to trial in June. It is not too late, however, for you to initiate your own claim against GSK or PG. If you believe you or a family member suffered neurological damage caused by Fixodent or Poligrip, let the Rottenstein Law Group know. RLG’s lawyers have a total of more than 25 years of experience standing up for clients who have suffered harm at the hands of of powerful corporations like Procter Gamble.