Consumer Advisory
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) warns about a potential health risk associated with
long-term, excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesives
Polident Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Cream.
This communication is to alert consumers to a potential health risk from long-term excessive use of zinc-containing denture adhesive Polident Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Cream.
Polident Extra Hold
Denture Adhesive Cream
While zinc is an essential part of the diet, recent publications suggest that an excessive intake of zinc-containing denture adhesives over several years may lead to the development of neurological symptoms. These may include numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and legs, difficulties with walking and balance and blood problems such as anaemia.
Polident Extra Hold is safe to use as directed in the product label (see below). The majority of consumers follow these directions. However, some consumers apply more adhesive than directed and use it more than once per day. Therefore, as a precautionary measure to minimize any potential risks to these consumers, GSK has voluntarily stopped the manufacture, distribution and advertising of these products.
What consumers should do
If you have been using zinc-containing Polident Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Cream for several years in greater amounts than directed on the package or more than once per day, or have concerns about your health, you must:
- Stop using the product.
- Talk to your doctor.
- Use a zinc-free alternative such as Polident Fresh Denture Adhesive Cream or Polident Flavour Free Denture Adhesive Cream.
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Polident Fresh
Denture Adhesive Cream
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Polident Flavour Free
Denture Adhesive Cream
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Contains no zink
People with ill-fitting dentures should seek help from their dental care professional, rather than compensate for poorly fitting dentures by using excessive adhesive.
Consumers with questions may call the Polident Advice Hotline on 1800 661 957.
For more information on Polident Extra Hold and zinc, visit www.gsk.com.au
Polident Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Cream directions for safe and effective use:
DIRECTIONS: Polident Extra Hold Denture Adhesive Cream holds all day. Apply once a day for secure hold. Start with a small amount. Using too much adhesive can cause oozing. If oozing occurs, use less adhesive next time. Do not apply more than once a day. A 60g tube should last at least 5 weeks. If not, you are using too much adhesive which may be a sign of ill-fitting dentures. See your dentist regularly. Routine dental examinations are part of good oral health and necessary to check the fit of your denture.
APPLYING
- Clean and dry your dentures.
- Apply adhesive in three short 6mm strips, not too close to denture edges.
- Rinse mouth before inserting dentures.
- Press dentures in place, hold firmly, and bite down for a few seconds to secure.
- To keep tip from clogging, keep cap and nozzle dry.
REMOVING
- Swish mouth with water.
- Slowly remove dentures by using a rocking motion.
- Remove denture adhesive residue from denture and mouth with warm water and a soft brush.
- Use Polident Fresh Active Denture Cleanser or Polident Whitening Denture Cleanser to thoroughly clean your denture.
IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION:
- This product contains zinc. Talk to your doctor before using this product if you are taking daily zinc supplements.
- Do not use if you have sensitivity to any of the cream ingredients. If discomfort occurs discontinue use.
- Swallowing small amounts of this product, when used as directed, may occur and is not harmful.
- Use only as directed. Using excessive amounts of this product over a prolonged period of time has been reported to result in serious health effects from increased zinc intake.
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