Consumer Q&A

• Consumer health and safety are of the utmost importance to GlaxoSmithKline. Because of this we are issuing a consumer advisory.
• We are alerting consumers, healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders about the potential health risks associated with using excessive amounts of denture adhesives that contain zinc, over the long term.
• Zinc-containing denture adhesives like Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care are safe when used as directed. So for the vast majority of people who use the product according to the label, there is no need to do anything.
• People who have been using denture adhesives in excess over the long term or have a concern about their health should stop using the product and see a doctor.
• In addition to our advisory, and as a precautionary measure to minimize potential risks, we have stopped manufacturing and advertising of zinc-containing Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care. We will gradually replace it with a new line of zinc-free products. In addition, there is currently a zinc-free Poligrip Flavour Free available on store shelves.

Q1: I have symptoms (i.e. numbness/tingling/weakness), what should I do?

If you are experiencing symptoms please consult a medical professional / your doctor.

Q2: Why has GlaxoSmithKline decided to warn consumers against long term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives?

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.

Q3: What do you mean by long term excessive use?

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 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).

Q4: Is too much zinc harmful to me?

There have been reports of excessive use over the long-term of zinc-containing denture adhesive associated with the development of neurological symptoms, which may include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, difficulties with walking and balance, and/or the development of blood problems such as anemia.

Q5: I have just seen the product for sale in my local store. Why are you still selling this if it isn’t safe?

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.

Q6: What are the specific names of the products being taken off shelf?

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.

Q7: I am afraid to use the product and want a refund.

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.

Q8: Does the zinc-free formulation provide the same level of hold?

The zinc-free formulation provides an effective all-day hold for well-fitted dentures.

Q9: What happens if I swallowed some adhesive and/or believe I used the product in excess? What are the symptoms of getting too much zinc?

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.

Q10: How much zinc is in your products?

Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care contain 38 mg of zinc per gram (i.e., it is less than 4% zinc by weight).

Q11: What is myeloneuropathy?

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.

Q:12 What are the blood problems associated with long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives?

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.

Q13: I can’t find my Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care on the shelves. When can I buy it?

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.

Q14: Should I throw away my zinc-containing Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care product? Is the zinc-containing Poligrip Ultra and Poligrip Total Care in my home safe to use?

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.

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