Apparently, it is time again to present a vigorous stand against the pharmaceutical companies who seem determined to ruin the health, if not cause the death, of many consumers. Disabled individuals are particularly at risk, as in many cases, their immune systems are already tenuous. But the offending agents might surprise you—–they are not complicated or complex concoctions.
So what are these insidious medications? It might come as a surprise to some folks, but over-the-counter acetaminophen is a major culprit which causes acute liver failure. Acetaminophen is contained in many medications, including Tylenol, Theraflu, and Nyquil. Those who inherently believe that over-the-counter medications are safe need to educate themselves to the real dangers which exist.
Many medical professionals say that a safe dose of acetaminophen ranges from 1 to 4 grams daily.
However, because the drug is present in so many different medications, it is an easy matter to exceed that range. Indeed, over 1600 cases of acute liver failure occur annually because of overdose. This happens simply because a person might be taking, say, Vicodin, (which contains up to 500 mg of acetaminophen) and then takes NyQuil or Tylenol for cold symptoms. Bam! You’re over the therapeutic level.
And that’s not all. According to a report in June 2006 issue of Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, between 1990 and 1998, each year there were an estimated 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 458 deaths related to acetaminophen overdoses.
Next on the list is denture creams. That is correct—denture creams. It’s bad enough having to secure one’s teeth in one’s head, but to have to run the risk of being poisoned in the process is simply unconscionable.
Two major companies have formulated and released products designed to make dentures secure in the mouth.
Recent news has placed these two corporate giants under intense scrutiny from the government and trial attorneys around the United States. These companies are GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Polident, and Procter & Gamble Co., maker of Fixodent. Both of these products are extremely popular, but both have recently been linked to serious side effects in those who have used them.
The basic issue that users of these two products are encountering involves zinc poisoning and zinc toxicity. Because many users of these denture creams have poor fitting dentures require the denture wearer to increase the amount of cream needed to secure the dentures. This can lead to an increase of zinc in the body.
Denture cream brands like PoliGrip and Fixodent, contain zinc, which if ingested in large amounts, can lead to neurological problems and even a nerve disorder like neuropathy. As one stricken with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy, it is an easy matter to attest to its horrible pain, in turn causing serious mobility issues. A lot of folks end up in a wheelchair.
Zinc can be also be an intestinal irritant, and common signs of zinc poisoning may include intestinal distress such as vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
Other symptoms of zinc poisoning can be low blood pressure, urine retention, jaundice, seizures, joint pain, fever, coughing, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
So, again, why does our FDA allow such products to easily reach the shelves of our drugstores? On any given day, hundreds of thousands of people use these products, believing them to be safe. Why do the manufacturers continue to produce medicines or products which cause these horrendous effects? Many lawsuits have sprung up nationwide—but the companies simply pay the claims, and continue on.
One must assume that the FDA is spineless, or else simply paid off by lobbying organizations. Were this to happen with bread companies, for example, it would be another matter entirely. Consider what would occur if the consumption of Orowheat or Franz caused liver failure? Does anyone have any doubt those breads would be immediately re-called and taken off the shelves? Exactly.
What is needed is a grassroots effort by consumers to hold the FDA and big Pharma accountable for their actions. And not just monetary compensation for a few people willing to stand the vicissitudes of the legal system.
Jail time is the answer. How about 10 years in prison for the management of Procter and Gamble? And, they should be forced to take Tylenol and use copious quantities of Fixident. If they don’t have dentures, remove their teeth, make them some dentures, and give them a huge supply of the offending cream.
Maybe that would have some effect.
Be careful out there—-harm’s way can be assured for $3.49 available at every pharmacy and grocery outlet across the country.
Be well.
Advocate
