Insight from attorney Scott Weinstein of Morgan & Morgan, PA was featured in a recent AP article about the potential health risks associated with denture cream use. The article relates the story of one of Mr. Weinstein’s clients, a Florida resident named Ronald Beaver. Mr. Beaver had ill fitting dentures and often used large amounts of PoliGrip denture cream to secure them. Unfortunately, the high levels of zinc he ingested from the denture cream made his copper levels drop, causing weakness and a serious blood disorder.
Zinc is a common ingredient in denture creams because it helps improve the cream’s adhesive power. However, a study published in the medical journal Neurology in 2008 linked denture cream use to high zinc levels. In turn, toxic zinc levels can lead to zinc poisoning, copper depletion, and a neurological condition known as neuropathy. However, neither the denture cream manufacturers nor the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings about these possible side effects.
Now, Mr. Beaver and hundreds of other denture cream users from around the country who suffered similar problems are suing GlaxoSmithKline (manufacturer of PoliGrip) and Proctor & Gamble Co. (manufacturer of Fixodent). In June, at least 18 individual cases were consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) before U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga in the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Weinstein, who is the Managing Partner of Morgan & Morgan’s nationwide Mass Tort & Class Action Department, has been appointed both Co-Lead counsel and Plaintiff’s liaison counsel in the denture cream zinc poisoning MDL.
As Co-Lead Counsel, Mr. Weinstein is responsible for representing Ronald Beaver and all of the other MDL plaintiffs in the pre-trial proceedings. This includes responding to inquiries from the court, submitting and arguing motions, examining witnesses at hearings, and negotiating potential settlements. Andy Alonso of Parker of Waichman & Alonso LLP, who was also named Co-Lead Counsel, and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) will assist in conducting discovery and other work for the benefit for all plaintiffs.
The denture cream attorneys at Morgan & Morgan offer a Free Case Review for denture cream users who believe they may be suffering from zinc poisoning. If you need additional information about the potential health risks associated with denture cream use and the legal rights of individuals affected by denture cream zinc poisoning, please visit Morgan & Morgan's Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Resource Center.
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