Fosamax Drug Uses

Send to Friend | Bookmark | Live Chat

A 2004 report created by the US Surgeon General found that half of women over the age of 50 will suffer a stress-related fracture in their lifetime because of osteoporosis. Every year, more women suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture than have a heart attack, stroke, or diagnosed with breast cancer combined. The medical community considers osteoporosis to be a serious health issue for women and is constantly looking for ways to reduce the risks associated with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a condition causing a weakening of the bones, sometimes leading to painful, life-threatening fractures. Because bone loss occurs slowly over time, many people do not realize they have osteoporosis until after they have suffered a fracture. Even then, testing is needed to determine the cause. 10 million people suffer from osteoporosis to date, 80% of which are females. Close to 18 million more have low-bone density. Experts estimate that over 36 million women take medications, such as Fosamax, to treat or prevent osteoporosis.

Fosamax (known generically as Alendronate Sodium) is a commonly prescribed medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in women and men. It is produced and marketed by Merck and Company, Inc. Fosamax belongs in the drug category “bisphosphonates”, which are primarily medications that strengthen bone by improving bone density. Another Fosamax drug use is in the treatment of Paget’s disease, which is a chronic disease that results in enlarged, deformed bones. The medication received approval for human consumption in September of 1995.

In the human body, bone constantly forms and dissolves. Osteoporosis occurs when the rate of dissolution is faster than the forming rate. Fosamax works by blocking the cells that cause osteoporosis, thereby increasing bone density by slowing down the rate at which bone dissolves. Fosamax is a long-term medication, with many consumers taking it for the rest of their life. The most common side effects of Fosamax include mild nausea, abdominal cramps, skin rash, flatulence, diarrhea, and generalized muscle, joint, and bone pain.

Individuals on Fosamax or other bisphosphonate medications should avoid tooth extractions and other major dental procedures while taking the drug. The reason is that a link between Fosamax, as well as other bisphosphonate medications, and the side effect Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) has been found. ONJ, also called Dead Jaw, is a serious bone disease in which the jaw bone does not heal after minor damage, such as with a tooth extraction, which can cause infection, rotting, and eventual bone death. In severe cases, the ruined bone must be removed through surgery. Healthcare professionals have stated that the prevention of ONJ and providing early treatment of those who contract the disease is very important in preserving the jaw bone.

The connection between bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, and ONJ was discovered in 2004. After the findings were published by the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the drug manufacturer, Merck, issued a warning to healthcare professionals about the increased risk of ONJ while on medications such as Fosamax. It is estimated that over 2,000 individuals taking Fosamax and other bisphosphonates have suffered jaw bone decay and death due to ONJ, some suffering from such severe pain and debilitation that they have become bedridden.

Do I have a Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit?

The Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus exclusively on the representation of plaintiffs in Fosamax lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Fosamax side effect cases in all 50 states.

Attention Attorneys: We do not publish prior verdict/settlements. If you are an attorney and would like to refer us a case or for us to send you a profile of prior award judgments or average referral fees, please visit the attorney referral section of our website.

= Required Field