GlaxoSmithKline Target of Claims That Denture Cream Causes Neurological Problems

(MoneyWatch)  Could denture cream become GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)'s new Paxil -- a blockbuster product that becomes the target of mass litigation? Lawyers have brought at least a dozen cases and are potentially preparing as many as 3,000 against GSK and Procter & Gamble (PG) over the use of zinc in the denture creams Poligrip and Fixodent, respectively.

Plaintiffs allege that the zinc in the creams causes a depletion of copper in the patient, leading to neuropathy. The Denver Post reports that one plaintiff, Rae Ann Schmaltz, lost the use of her legs in her 40s:

The manufacturers have responded that denture cream is safe when used as directed. But attorneys for some of those who believe they have been harmed say there is no warning for users that applying excessive denture cream to hold ill- fitting dentures can cause problems as severe as a loss of feeling in the limbs.

"The implications of this case could be huge," said attorney Shelley Don, who is representing Schmaltz. "There are 15 to 20 million Americans who wear dentures. And nearly all denture adhesives contain zinc."

This plaintiffs' attorney website claims at least one case has already been settled. The cases are being consolidated in Florida's Southern District federal court. The Fort Myers, Fla., office of Morgan & Morgan said it is screening more than 3,000 potential cases.