Florida Injury Attorney Blog

The US Drug Watchdog is directing its national consumer alert about Fixodent and Super Poligrip to all denture cream users because of concerns that both products may cause zinc poisoning. About 35 million people in the US use denture cream to keep their false teeth in place. Many of them may not be aware that some of the physical symptoms they are experiencing are signs of hypocupremia or neuropathy.

While the US Food and Drug Administration does not require Super Poligrip or Fixodent to come with the warning that excessive use can lead to neurological problems or zinc poisoning, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center revealed that Poligrip and Fixodent contained high levels of lead.

Our Miami denture cream lawyers represent clients throughout Florida who are suffering from zinc poisoning because they used a dental adhesive cream. Some of these conditions may become permanent if not treated as soon as possible. You have have grounds for filing a denture cream lawsuit.

Neuropathy symptoms:
• Movement difficulties
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness
• Balance problems
• Tingling, weakness, pain, or numbness in the extremities
• Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure
• Constipation
• Perspiration problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bladder dysfunction

Hypocupremia (caused by decreased copper levels) symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Copper deficiency
• Edema
• Hair loss
• Skin sores
• Decrease in growth
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia

Fixodent manufacturer Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing Corp and GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the maker of Super Poligrip, already face numerous products liability lawsuits from plaintiffs who sustained serious injuries because of denture cream poisoning.

While the recommended zinc allowance for women is 8 mg/day and for men is 11 mg/day—40 mg is the maximum that is considered safe—certain denture creams can expose users to up to 330 mg/daily.

Drug makers can be held liable for Florida products liability if their drug is dangerous enough to cause injury, illness or death or the manufacturer neglected to warn about potential side effects or adverse reactions that might occur when using the medical product.

The US Drug Watchdog Expands its National Consumer Alert on the Denture Creams Super Poligrip and Fixodent, PR Web, October 14, 2009

Fixodent and Super PoliGrip Lawsuits Mount Over Denture Cream Poisoning, About Lawsuits, October 1, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Fixodent, Proctor and Gamble

GlaxoSmithKline, PLC

US Drug Watchdog

Adam Mason, a 31-year-old Pensacola resident, was awarded $7 million by a Florida jury in his dangerous drugs lawsuit against Swiss drug manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche. The drug maker failed to warn Mason that using the acne drug Accutane could lead to a gastrointestinal disease called inflammatory bowel disease.

Mason had to have surgery to remove his colon after he developed the disease. Mason says that because of the surgery he can no longer work as a welder. Mason also was able to obtain settlements from his doctor and West Florida Medical Center after he filed medical malpractice lawsuits against them.

His case is 1 of over 400 inflammatory disease-Accutane-related cases against the Swiss drug maker. In another case, Andy McCarrell won $2.6 million for his lawsuit that cited similar side effects.

Accutane is a controversial acne drug that has been linked to depression, birth defects, suicidal tendencies, and psychological disorders. A USA Today news article from 2004 says that Hoffman-La Roche opted not to issue stronger warnings about potential side effects because they were worried the warnings would negatively affect sales.

Hoffman-La Roche now includes in its packaging that Accutane can lead to possible psychological side effects. The packaging also warns users that Accutane use can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (but not many details are provided). It also continues to insist that the connection between IBD and Accutane is not definite.

In 2004, an FDA researcher recommended to a US Senate panel that the acne drug be investigated in case a recall was warranted.

A drug manufacturer can be held liable for a dangerous or defective drug if a user becomes injured, sick, or dies from taking the medication. Sometimes, a drug maker will send a drug into the marketplace without conducting proper testing. A drug may also come with insufficient warnings about potential side effects and proper use.

In some instances, drug manufacturers may promote and manufacture a drug in a way that generates sales rather than ensures the users’ safety. These are negligent actions by pharmaceutical makers who can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death.

Jury awards local man $7 million, Pensacola News Journal, October 12, 2007

Accutane Victim Awarded $7 million in Florida Lawsuit, News Inferno, October 12, 2007

Related Web Resources:

Accutane, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Accutane, Roche USA Pharmaceuticals

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