Follow Us

 

Fosamax Lawsuits, New Studies and Generics Hammer Sales of Fosamax

- Ennis & Ennis

11/28/2012 - For years, Fosamax has been the golden goose for Merck consistently laying over $3.5 billion in sales per year.  However, Merck’s goose may be cooked due to multiple studies linking spontaneous femur fractures and osteonecrosis of the jaw in long-term use of the drug. Litigation arising out of these injuries and the availability of a generic form is driving the nail further into the coffin. Ongoing research continues to reinforce the links between Fosamax and bone damage.

In fact, a new article published in October 2012 by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism detailed the serious complications faced by the victims of atypical femur fractures associated with the use of bisphosphonates (incl. Fosamax). These patients experienced delayed healing, prodromal pain, and persisting risk of a contralateral and/or other fractures.  Fosamax was approved by the FDA in 1995 and developed to treat post- menopausal osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone.  Since 1997, Merck has marketed Fosamax to be used by lower-risk, non-osteoporotic patients, comprising nearly 80% of the patients taking Fosamax. [1]

However, the dangers and the efficacy of Fosamax have come into question in recent years. In 2011, Elizabeth Shane, M.D., President of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), testified before the FDA Joint Advisory Committee: “We recommend that bisphosphonates be reserved for patients who are at high-risk of fracture.” The ASMBR also recommended that Fosamax not be used by non-osteoporotic patients and noted that there was no demonstrated fracture reduction benefit from long-term use of drugs like Fosamax. In May, an FDA-commissioned analysis published in the New England Journal of Medicine also noted that there was little benefit in taking Fosamax and similar drugs for longer than five years. [2] Global sales for Fosamax in 2012 are projected to be less than $700 million, down from the $3.5 billion in the mid 2000s.  Merck has been racing to develop the next generation osteoporosis drug, odancatib, to replace Fosamax.

More Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit News::

Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have taken Fosamax and have been injured as a result of Fosamax side effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw or low energy femur fracture, contact the Fosamax lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today. The of Ennis & Ennis specialize in Fosamax lawsuits.. Call us today toll-free: 1-800-856-6405 or fill out our free online case evaluation form.

Under no circumstances should you discontinue taking any medication, including Fosamax, without first consulting with your doctor.

1. jcem.endojournals.org/content/early/2012/10/17/jc2012-2590.abstract
2. nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1202619