Adhesives & Sealants Headlines

Health Warning Issued for Zinc-Containing Denture Adhesives (2/19/10)

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare has issued a Consumer Advisory, which warns consumers about the potential health risks associated with “long-term excessive use” of zinc-containing denture adhesives. The company reports on its Web site that it has taken voluntary, precautionary action to end the manufacture and supply of its zinc-containing denture adhesives marketed across many countries under the names Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care.

The St. Petersburg Times reports that the company has been sued by hundreds of Americans who claim to have suffered crippling nerve damage after using GSK adhesive. In Miami alone, more than 70 such cases have been filed.

While the company says that the products remain safe to use as directed on the product label, the attorney who filed a suit in Miami last December about the products was quoted in the newspaper as saying the denture adhesive manufacturers “didn’t tell anybody the right amounts to use.

“They didn’t warn people that if they didn’t use the right amounts that they could be crippled,” said attorney Ed Blizzard. What’s more, in many cases, the packaging instructions simply advise to start with “a small amount” and to use more if needed.

GSK reports that it will transition to zinc-free versions of all affected variants. “Zinc Free” will be clearly shown on the new packaging.