Parker Waichman Alonso LLP Commends Procter & Gamble's Recent Efforts to Caution Consumers about Zinc in Fixodent Denture Cream

GREAT NECK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is pleased with Procter & Gamble's recent decision to include a caution on its Web site, http://www.dentureliving.com/, regarding the health risks posed by excessive exposure to zinc in Fixodent denture cream. The caution was added to the Web site by Procter & Gamble with little fanfare in recent days. In addition to informing consumers that Fixodent contains zinc, the new caution states that: "Some reports suggest that excessive and prolonged zinc intake may be linked to adverse health effects." The entire text may be viewed at: http://www.dentureliving.com/fixodent-denture-products/how-to-use-fixodent.

“While any new caution regarding Fixodent is a step in the right direction, it does not go nearly far enough”

While Procter & Gamble's decision to finally acknowledge the potential risks posed by excessive exposure to the zinc in Fixodent is to be commended, this action is still not adequate to protect consumers from this serious public health threat. In fact, we feel that the lack of a clear warning combined with ambiguous instructions for use only serve to enhance the danger faced by consumers. For that reason, Parker Waichman Alonso continues to call on Procter & Gamble to immediately issue a full recall of all zinc-containing Fixodent denture cream products. Procter & Gamble’s main competitor in the market for denture adhesives, GlaxoSmithKline, recently decided to cease marketing its zinc containing adhesives. For the sake of millions of denture adhesive users worldwide, Procter & Gamble needs to take the same action.

"While any new caution regarding Fixodent is a step in the right direction, it does not go nearly far enough," says Andres Alonso, a partner of Parker Waichman Alonso. "Procter & Gamble’s attempt to do this quietly will leave too many consumers unaware of the danger that Fixodent could pose to their health. As long as these products continue to be sold, they remain a serious public health threat."

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has filed numerous lawsuits on behalf of the victims of Fixodent. These lawsuits allege that Procter & Gamble misled consumers about health risks and failed to provide adequate warnings and instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use.

A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, excessive exposure to zinc in denture creams can result in copper depletion, leading to the development of severe neurological injuries and blood disorders. In August 2008, an article appearing in the peer reviewed journal "Neurology" specifically linked zinc in denture cream to "profound neurologic disease" in four patients reviewed.

Dozens of denture cream zinc poisoning lawsuits have been consolidated in the Denture Cream Products Liability Multidistrict Litigation currently pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051). In an order filed on July 13, 2009, Judge Altonaga appointed Andres F. Alonso Esq., a partner with Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, as Co- Lead Counsel to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation.

Parker Waichman Alonso has received thousands of calls from denture cream users and continues to offer free consultations to the victims of denture cream zinc poisoning. If you or a loved one uses or have used Fixodent and now suffer from neurological problems, please contact our office by visiting www.yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636).

About Parker Waichman Alonso LLP

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is a leading personal injury law firm that represents plaintiffs nationwide. The firm has offices in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has assisted thousands of clients in receiving fair compensation for injuries resulting from defective drugs, medical devices and other products.

For more information on Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, please visit: www.yourlawyer.com or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).