Polygrip users...has anyone else heard about this?

[addicted2harleys]

Hi, all-

I have been away from the site for about a week now.  Between all of my appointments and trying to find out more about this Polygrip stuff, I didn't really have the energy to read the forum.  

I ran across some information that Polygrip is causing neurological problems.  I was floored when I read all the info on it.  I have had dentures for 6 1/2 to 7 years now.  My "teeth" don't have a good suction to them and it requires me to use denture adhesive.  I only have uppers.  My neuro problems started 6 years ago.

This very well could explain my problems.  I am ANGRY about this.

Anyway, here are a couple of links about it if anyone is interested in what I have found:

http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/87198587.html?page=1&c=y
http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/Denture-Cream-Zinc-Poisoning
http://www.yourlawyer.com/articles/read/17852
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSCOL56970020080905

I have requested a call back from the attorneys from the above site.  If anyone is interested, I will share what I find out.

Is anyone else a denture adhesive user with undiagnosed neuro issues?

Thanks,
Addi

[Lulu54]

Wow, addi.  That is some story and I'm glad you are sharing it here.  I missed these headlines.  

Keep us posted, ok?

And happy belated birthday!
Lulu

[addicted2harleys]

I saw that episode, too.  I love HankMed!  lol

I forgot about that.  Interesting...

Addi

[hbananas]

An episode of "Royal Pains" featured a pro wrestler/action movie star character who was suffering from neurological problems because of using denture adhesive.  Yeah, I get all my medical news from my favorite Dr. McGyver, Hank Lawson.

[addicted2harleys]

Yeah, from what I have learned, if you get your zinc and copper levels stabilized, then the damage won't progress.  

I still need the Polygrip.  I checked my tube and it is zinc free.  But, that angers me just as much.  If this is what caused my problems, then I still pay them money for the product I need....THAT bothers me.

Ring their necks.  Yeah, that about sums it up.  

[RedFlame]

Yeah, I know---just what I have read in the past few minutes it does sound permanent.  I don't think the brain can heal itself--at least I don't think so.  

I have 'heard' that chelation is a process sort of like dialysis where they can cleanse the blood of a certain toxin.  In your case it sounds like the damage is done.  

I don't blame you for being angry.  These pharmaceutical companies are so dirty it just makes me sick.  

I know you don't know yet but it is plausible since you started using Poligrip before you became ill.  You must feel like you want to go and wring their necks.  I would venture a guess that they don't let their family members use poligrip.  

Does this mean that if you stop using it you won't have any more damage.   Like your damage will stabilize.  (what an awful thing to have to say)

Red

[addicted2harleys]

Chelation?  Huh?  lol  What is that?

I don't have answers yet.  From what I have been reading, if this is my problem, then it is permanent damage.  I know that supplements for zinc are given to correct the limits...but the damage is showing to be permanent at this time.

[addicted2harleys]

Thanks, Red.  Yeah, it was quite a blow to me, too.  I don't know yet if this is the cause of my problems or not.  I am getting the blood work done on Wednesday.  

I am still very angry right now.  If this proves to be the link that I have been looking for in my health journey...well, I am still kinda speechless.

I can see it now:

Stranger:  Why are you in a wheelchair?
Me: Because I used too much denture cream

I still plan on following through with UCLA.  I am trying hard to be open-minded with my health.  I still just want answers, you know?

Addi

[RedFlame]

Is there anything that can be done at this point?  I was wondering if chelation would at least stop the damage.  Just throwing it out there.

[RedFlame]

Oh Addi!!!  I am just stunned-----I am so sorry!  I clicked on the links and read through all of it.  I am just dumbfounded and so worried about you and all the people that have been poisoned by this.  It just took my breat away!!

Now I understand why you were away for a while.  This is so much to digest.  The fact that it was pulled from Japan and all the while GlaxoSmithKline knew.  It just feels evil to me.  

Thank God you haven't been wearing your teeth!  

Have you contacted any doctors involved with this issue?  I am just stunned.  

Im just taking it in right now.   wow

((((Hugs))))   Red

[addicted2harleys]

Just to clarify -

Polygrip has been linked to zinc poisoning which causes neuro problems.  Not MS.

I did find info where this situation is showing to be an MS mimic though.  

[addicted2harleys]

ess - This is not a fluke or get rich scheme.  The manufacturers of Polygrip have actually changed their product to be zinc free due to this problem.  I have been researching it all week long.  It was on the Today show and Good Morning America.  Dallas and Philly newspapers have reports on it.  It has been researched by at least 2 neurologists, if I remember right.  This is a real issue.

Here is some of the info I have found:

The risk of zinc poisoning prompted GlaxoSmithKline to announce it would voluntarily stop manufacturing, marketing and advertising three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip denture cream products on February 18, 2010. The products affected by this announcement are: Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' and 'Extra Care'.

Glaxo said it is currently in the process of reformulating Super PoliGrip 'Original', Super PoliGrip 'Ultra Fresh' and Super PoliGrip 'Extra Care' to non-zinc formulations. The new versions should be in stores by Mid April 2010.

A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, recent research suggests that long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture creams like the Super PoliGrip products may lead to the development of neurological symptoms. These may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance and blood problems such as anemia.

Glaxo maintains that Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh? and 'Extra Care' are safe to use as directed, but noted that some consumers may apply more adhesive than directed, or use it more than once per day. In a statement posted on its Web site, Glaxo said it stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of the three zinc-containing Super PoliGrip products as a precautionary measure to minimize any potential risks to consumers. The company also said it had discussed the matter with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and no further action is necessary.

According to Glaxo's statement, consumers who have been using zinc-containing Super PoliGrip 'Original', 'Ultra Fresh' or 'Extra Care' for several years in greater amounts than directed on the package or more than once per day, or have concerns about their health, must:

    * Stop using the product.
    * Talk to their doctor.
    * Use a zinc-free alternative.

This action does not affect any zinc-free Super PoliGrip products, including Super PoliGrip 'Free,' Super PoliGrip 'Comfort Seal Strips', or Super PoliGrip 'Powder'. These products remain available to consumers.

If you are one of the 35 million Americans who uses denture adhesives, such as Poligrip and Fixodent, we have an urgent warning. The use of zinc-containing denture adhesives has been linked to serious neurological problems, including neuropathy. These injuries can be permanently disabling and even life-threatening. Yet, the makers of denture adhesives have refused to put labels on these products warning of their dangers.

No one knows how many people are suffering from neuropathy or other neurological problems because of toxic denture adhesives. The denture adhesive neuropathy lawyers at our firm are currently evaluating potential lawsuits against the manufacturers who failed to adequately warn consumers about the health problems these products can cause.

Neuropathy is a serious nerve disorder that affects the extremities. It is often caused by exposure to a toxin, and it is a side effect of some drugs. Excessive exposure to zinc - an ingredient in many denture adhesives - is also associated with the development of neuropathy and other neurological problems.

If you use denture adhesive on a regular basis, and suffer from the following symptoms, you might be a victim of denture adhesive neuropathy:

    * tingling or numbness in the extremities
    * loss of ability to move legs, feet, arms, or hands
    * poor balance and coordination
    * decrease in walking stride
    * abnormal blood pressure and heart rate
    * reduced ability to perspire
    * constipation and bladder dysfunction.

The full information on what I have listed above is on this page:  http://denture-adhesive-neuropathy.com/

I understand about lawyer sharks and such.  And I am using caution with the 2 lawyers I have contacted about this.  Thanks for the reminder.

Frank - which glue do you use and how much of it do you go through in a week?  Pull your tube out and see if it is zinc free.  I will keep you posted on what I find out.

Take a look at the links I have posted in this thread.  It sure caught my attention...

Addi

[Csativa]

Hi Addi,

I'd be interested in any information you gather.  I used this putrid sticky pink gunk for quite some time, also for uppers.  I ground them so much that I shattered several teeth.  

To the best of my recollection, I recall hearing something about associated neurologic problems, but that was several years ago and I never gave it any further thought.  

Thanks.
Frank

[essdipity]

I am fortunate that I've had none of these issues, having basically all of my adult teeth.

However, remember that there are lawyer sharks out there trying to make money off medical sufferers of almost every sort. That's why they advertise. Just like the ones who are on TV for virtually every condition, from 'nursing home abuse' (never seen anyone abusing a nursing home) on.

Have no idea about any scientifically proved connection between Poly Grip and MS, or anyhing else, for that matter. Look up your sources carefully. Don't be caught in a make-money scheme of any sort. The best research centers are independent of any manufacturer.

Just wanna say--If there were a demonstrated scientific connection between denture cream and MS, wouldn't that have come to light by now? Just questions--I don't know the answers.

ess

[addicted2harleys]

I just got off the phone with an attorney that is dealing with the Polygrip case.  I was told that I need to go get blood work done to check my zinc and copper levels.  I will do this on Wednesday.

I don't know if I will be able to find out if this is the cause of all of my problems because in the last year I have not wore my "teeth" very much ~blush~

I don't go out much because it is just too damn hard for me to do it, so I stay at home quite a bit.  Since I am home, I don't wear my "teeth".  I only wear them when I go out.  So, in the last year, I have not used my Polygrip all that much.  In turn, I don't know if my copper and zinc levels will be as high/low as they would have been a year ago.

I dunno.  I am confused.

Addi