GSK's Japanese subsidiary begins voluntary recall of Poligrip products containing zinc

Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers Calls on Company to Follow Suit in U.S.

Today, the Japanese subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), announced that it would begin a voluntary recall of Poligrip products that contain zinc in that country Friday.  The company's decision followed just three reports of adverse health effects in consumers of the product, sold in Japan as Poligrip EX.

Despite hundreds of American consumers reporting similar disabling effects stemming from the company's many zinc-containing products in the U.S., Glaxo's American subsidiary has yet to order a recall here.  Rather, the company seems content to let current stocks of the potentially toxic product sell out, stating that consumers who use the products as directed, "may continue to do so safely."

Attorney Ed Blizzard, of Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers, which represents a number of clients crippled by Glaxo's Poligrip products, called on the company to act responsibly and issue a similar recall in the United States.  "Hundreds of people have reported serious neurological damage associated with this company's products, with potentially thousands more yet to come forward.  If Glaxo is concerned enough to recall its products in Japan after only three similar reports, the only appropriate action to take is to follow suit here in America."

On February 18, GSK announced that it would remove zinc from all of its denture adhesive products.  That same day, it sent a letter to doctors warning them of the health risks posed by "long-term excessive use" of "zinc-containing denture adhesives Super Poligrip 'Original', Super Poligrip 'Ultra Fresh,' and Super Poligrip 'Extra Care.'"  The letter stated that in 2009, the company had "received an increased number of adverse event reports" that together with recent medical literature suggest there are serious dangers associated with the products.

SOURCE Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers, LLP