London -- GlaxoSmithKline announced Feb. 18 that it has voluntarily stopped manufacturing and distributing its zinc-containing denture creams because the company is concerned about "potential health risks associated with long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives," according to a statement on the GSK Web site.
In a Feb. 18 letter to dentists, Dr. Howard Marsh, GSK's chief medical officer, described the company's action as a precautionary measure. He said GSK asks that doctors with patients describing neurological symptoms associated with long-term, excessive denture adhesive use report such cases by calling toll free 1-866-640-1017.
To date, the FDA has not issued any advisory to the public or the profession on this issue.
The products affected are Super Poligrip Original, Super Poligrip Ultra Fresh and Super Poligrip Extra Care. GSK will transition to zinc-free versions of all affected variants. Zinc free will be clearly shown on the new packaging.
For more information on denture adherents and other consumer products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance visit www.ada.org/ada/seal/category.asp.
To see the GSK statement, visit http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2010/2010_pressrelease_10017.htm