£4M legal action over zinc poisoning

Hundreds of people in Britain could be suffering crippling health problems because of poisoning from false teeth glue.

The Sunday Post has learned a £4 million legal action has been launched against multinational pharmaceutical firm Procter & Gamble.

The suit claims the zinc in its Fixodent adhesive has left Ayrshire mum-of-two Amanda Allan desperately ill.

It has also emerged that at least eight more similar actions are in the pipeline. They include cases against rival manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Poligrip.

It removed zinc from its glue formula in 2010, amid warnings that long-term use could trigger symptoms such as numbness, difficulties with balance and walking.

The legal firms behind the litigation last night warned the cases may be the tip of the iceberg and may take years to settle.

Amanda, 39, who lost her teeth as a result of her second pregnancy, blasted: “I was so ill at first doctors thought I had leukemia or multiple sclerosis.

“I’ve been left seriously disabled from using Fixodent for 15 years,” Amanda alleges.

Fixodent is widely used in Britain. The over-the-counter cream contains small amounts of zinc to give it more grip. Although vital to good health, a build-up of zinc in the body has been linked to health problems.

A study of four denture-wearing patients who were using about two tubes of adhesive a week, found they were suffering from neurological symptoms.

Amanda’s legal team at Quantum Claims say she’s has been left with serious damage caused by zinc.

Amanda, from Dreghorn, says she first suffered tingling and pains in her arms and legs in December 2009.

Nine months later she was admitted to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock.

She said: “Eventually blood tests revealed seriously high zinc levels. They asked if I used denture paste and then told me to stop immediately.

“I’m now totally dependent on my family because I’m in a wheelchair and even need help to go to the toilet. I’m devastated. My life is now so limited and painful.”

Amanda has to use a special hospital-type bed and is undergoing splint treatment on her toes.

“If that doesn’t work I have been told I will need surgery to break my toes and reset them with metal rods.

“I need my toes to keep my balance when getting in my wheelchair,” she says.

Her lawyer John Symon said: “Mrs Allan is seeking damages of £4 million against Fixodent’s makers Procter & Gamble.

“Another client with neurological damage is seeking damages of £1 million. These cases may be the tip of an iceberg as people may be crippled but have had no formal diagnosis.”

Dr Jean Turner, of the Scotland Patients’ Association, added: “This is very worrying. The number of people who have used denture fixative must be in the hundreds of thousands.

“Patients presenting with similar symptoms at their GP should be asked if they are using a denture fixative containing zinc.”

A spokesman for Procter & Gamble said its product, Fixodent, is completely safe when used as directed.

He said: “All Fixodent products undergo rigorous scientific evaluations and safety testing before they appear on shelf.

“They meet all local laws and regulations and we continue to monitor them for safety.

“Zinc is a vital part of our daily diet and is found in safe levels in most foods as well as in many over-the-counter health care products like cold remedies.

“It is very important to follow all label directions and use only as directed.”

A spokesman for GSK said: “In 2010, GlaxoSmithKline voluntarily stopped making zinc-containing denture adhesives.

“The safety and health of our consumers is our primary concern and we took this action as a precautionary measure after becoming aware of potential health problems associated with the long-term excessive use of our zinc-containing denture adhesive products.”

Court cases have been raised in the USA from others who say they have been seriously damaged by both dental fixatives.