Poligrip
Please click here for further information on potential health risks associated with zinc-containing denture fixatives
Text too small?
If you are experiencing symptoms please consult a medical professional / your doctor.
Consumer health and safety is of utmost importance to GlaxoSmithKline. Because of this, we are issuing an advisory to alert consumers of potential health risks of using excessive amounts of denture adhesives that contain zinc over the long term. Some consumers apply more adhesive than directed and use it more than once per day. Long term, excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives has been reported to be associated with certain serious adverse health effects. Therefore, as a precautionary measure to minimize any potential risks to these consumers, GSK has issued this consumer advisory.
Published reports of excessive use have typically described usage of one to two tubes of denture adhesives a week over a period of years. That is in contrast to our label which clearly states that a 40g tube should last about 3-6 weeks. It is important however that if you are or have been using Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care in excess of the instructions that you stop using the product and talk to your doctor about any health concerns you might have. The instructions printed on the packaging illustrate how to use a small amount to avoid oozing, which can occur if too much product is used. There are picture graphics on the box that show you how to apply Polgirip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care and approximately how much should be applied to both the upper and lower dentures.
Application of the product should not be required more than once per day. You should not use more than the indicated quantity of Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care, or use it more than once per day, to compensate for poorly-fitting dentures. You should consult your dentist regularly to maintain proper-fitting dentures.
As an example of proper use, a tube of Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care should last several weeks depending on size (e.g., 20g about 3 weeks, 40g about 6 weeks, 50g about 7 weeks).
Poligrip is safe when used as directed by the product label. GSK has voluntarily stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of these products as a precautionary measure. We have done this to minimize potential risks to those consumers who have used excessive amounts of zinc-containing adhesive over the long term.
As a voluntary precautionary measure to minimize potential risks to consumers, the zinc formulations which will no longer be sold are Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care.
Poligrip is safe when used as directed by the product label. Please dispose of the product and provide us with your details so we can send you a coupon for a new zinc-free product.
A small amount of adhesive will be swallowed during normal use which isn’t harmful. The product is safe when used as directed.
Ingestion of the adhesive at low levels has not been associated with health concerns. Recent reports regarding zinc-containing denture adhesives suggest that excessive use over an extended period of time may result in a zinc-induced copper deficiency which has been associated with the development of blood problems such as anemia, and with disorders of the nervous system, termed myeloneuropothy.
Consumers should ensure they are familiar with directions for appropriate use and should consult their physician with questions.
Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care contain 38 mg of zinc per gram (i.e., it is less than 4% zinc by weight).
It is a disorder of the nervous system that can be serious, with symptoms that include numbness or weakness in the limbs, poor balance and difficulty walking.
These may include reduced numbers of red blood cells, which is called anemia, or reduced numbers of certain white blood cells, which can be called leucopenia or neutropenia.
We are currently in the process of reformulating Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care to non-zinc formulations. Poligrip Flavour Free continues to be available to consumers.
Consumers in possession of the zinc-containing formulas of Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care may continue to safely use the product as directed. Consumers should ensure they are familiar with directions for appropriate use. If they prefer, consumers may dispose of the product and provide us with their details so we can send them a coupon for a new zinc free product.