FDA Advisory Panel To Review Safety of Popular Bone Drugs Fosamax, Boniva, Actonel and Reclast

- TheOpenPress

09/09/2011 - Two FDA advisory panels convene on Friday to review the long-term safety of biophosphonates such as Fosamax and its generics, Boniva and Actonel. The advisory panels will discuss whether women who take biophosphonate bone drugs should take a “drug holiday” due to increased concerns of the long-term use side effects and they will also review the medical evidence to date to determine whether biophosphonates have proven to be safe and effective in use longer than three to five years. Attorney David Ennis reports “Our law firm has been investigating Fosamax side effect claims since 2004 and unfortunately for our clients, this meeting has come a little too late.”

Although Fosamax was first approved in 1995 to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis and has since been marketed for osteopenia, a pre-osteoporosis condition, it has also come under great scrutiny since it has been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw (jaw death) and femur fractures (broken thigh bone) with long-term use. In fact, in 2010 Merck & Co., the manufacturer of Fosamax, added the warning of the risk of femur fractures. Yet, the underlying issue is whether to impose a stronger warning or to even possibly ban the long-term use of these drugs altogether.

Dr. Susan Ott, an associate medical professor and bone specialist at the University of Washington, told The New York Times, “In my opinion, after five years, in most cases, it ought to be stopped.” She reports that evidence shows increased risks and no proven benefits after five years. “The longest anybody could have taken this drug is 15 years now,” said Ott. “It’s an ongoing experiment, and there are a few million women in this country who are participating in it.” 

Ennis & Ennis is offering free nationwide confidential consultations to all individuals that have used Fosamax by calling toll free at 1-800-856-6405 or by completing the online case evaluation form on this page.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is a nationwide law firm with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Washington D.C. that specializes in mass torts and represents individuals against pharmaceutical companies as well as medical device makers. Ennis & Ennis, P.A. has been representing clients individually since 1986 and has recovered over $100 million in settlements for its clients.

Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is also investigating cases involving, Accutane, Actos, Avandia, Transvaginal Mesh Implants, Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Depuy Hip Recall, Zimmer Hip Recall, Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella Birth Control Pills.

Remember the law limits the time you can file a claim, so don't wait to explore your legal rights. Call toll free 1-800-856-6405

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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 lawyer of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today. The Fosamax lawyers of Ennis & Ennis specialize in Fosamax lawsuits resulting from Fosamax side effects injuries. Ennis & Ennis, P.A. is a national mass tort litigation / drug litigation law firm with offices in Washington DC and throughout Florida. Call us today 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.