Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit

Follow Us

Fosamax Side Effects - Femur Fracture Attorney Litigation

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is a type of drug known as a bisphosphonate, commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis.

Recently, a link has been found between bisphosphonates and a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), also know as Dead Jaw. This important discovery clearly shows that Fosamax side effects may include osteonecrosis of the jaw as well as osteomyelitis of the jaw. In another study, Fosamax was found to be linked to cases of low energy femur fractures also known as a thigh bone break or more commonly a broken leg.

Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Zometa (Zoledronate), Didronel (Etidronate), Aredia (Pamidronate), Actonel (Risedronate), and Boniva (Ibandronate) are commonly used to treat, prevent, and even reverse bone loss associated with osteoporosis, chemotherapy, and other bone loss disorders. Fosamax works by altering the cycle of bone formation and breakdown. Fosamax slows bone loss and simultaneously increases bone mass, which may help to reduce bone fractures, oddly Fosamax femur fractures is a side effect that is frequently reported.

Fosamax is mostly prescribed to women because women are more susceptible to osteoporosis, but it is also prescribed for men with osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. The Strongest forms of bisphosphonates are commonly used in the management of advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bone, where the disease often causes bone pain and possibly even fractures, particularly atypical femur fractures. Several cancers can metastasize to the bone, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and others. When bisphosphonates are given in cancer chemotherapy, the drugs are given intravenously, and usually for longer periods of time.

Fosamax Femur Fracture

The femur bone or thigh bone is one of the largest and strongest bones in the body. The femur is the thigh bone, it extends from the hip joint to the knee joint. Femur fractures are not common and are normally associated with sever trauma such as a high speed automobile accident, extreme sports or a high fall. Fosamax has been linked to atypical femur fractures, in other words, a thigh bone break that is not normal or associated with the common reasons for a broken thigh bone.

The association of broken legs, particularly broken femur bones, also known as, the thigh bone has been gaining traction since a study in the May/June 2008 issue of the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma links Merck’s osteoporosis drug Fosamax to a rare type of fracture in the femur, known as an atypical femur fracture or in layman's terms a broken thigh bone. The study looked at 70 patients who experienced low-energy femur fractures, which occur when someone falls from a standing height or less. Twenty-five patients (36%) were taking Fosamax for four years or more on average. The Fosamax patients’ fractures also have some distinct characteristics. The study shows that 76% of the 25 patients had a simple fracture with a straight line across the bone. Also, a beak-like overhang on one side of the bone was observed. Furthermore, the patients’ bones didn't look like typical osteoporotic bone; it appeared strong.

In 2010 the FDA decided to respond and updated the label of all bisphosphonate drugs to include a warning about femur fracture, aka a broken thigh bone. The warning specifically stated that use of bisphosphonates, including Fosamax, may potentiate femur fractures.

Later in 2010 there was a study published by the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research that also indicated that Fosamax femur fractures were are real problem, particularly with long term use. According to research by the American Society For Bone And Mineral Research 94% of patients with atypical femur fractures were prescribed Fosamax or other bisphosphonates.

In 2011 the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a case of bilateral atypical femur fractures in a 55-year old woman that took Fosamax daily for 9 years. After reporting pain in both of her thighs and x-ray revealed that she had stress fractures in both thighs that had not been associated with a fall or any type of trauma. After following her medical case the NEJM concluded that her femur fractures were likely related to her use of Fosamax, though they were uncertain if it was caused by over suppression of bone turnover, which others believe may be the cause of Fosamax femur fractures.

In June of 2012 The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study of the increasing occurrence of atypical femur fractures associated with bisphosphonate use. The study was performed between 1999 and 2010 and included a total of 477 patients 50 years and older that were hospitalized with femur fractures. The radiographs (x-ray) and medical records were examined and each patient was classified as having either an atypical femur fracture (uncommon thigh bone break) or a traditional femur fracture. The association of bisphosphonate use, such as Fosamax, and atypical femur fractures was calculated. There were 39 patients with atypical femur fractures and 438 patients with classic femur fractures in the study. Of the patients with atypical femur fractures 82.1% had been treated with some type of bisphosphonate compared to 6.4% with traditional thigh fractures. It was concluded that atypical femur fractures were indeed associated with bisphosphonate use such as Fosamax. They also concluded that the longer bisphosphonates were used the higher the risk of sustaining an atypical thigh bone break.

Fosamax side effects such as femur fractures can be serious, extremely painful and debilitating. If you or someone you care about has been injured by Fosamax side effects or another bisphosphonate you may be entitled to a legal remedy. For information about a Fosamax lawsuit contact our Fosamax attorneys today.

Fosamax Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or dead jaw, is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after minor trauma such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed. This exposure can eventually lead to infection and fracture and may require long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Experts say that prevention and early treatment of individuals using bisphosphonates such as Fosamax is extremely important in preserving the jaw bone. Individuals using Fosamax or other bisphosphonates should attempt to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while on the drugs.

Although most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw related to Fosamax side effects have occurred after dental work several cases have been reported to occur without any prior dental work. If you are currently taking Fosamax you may be at risk of developing osteonecrosis. If you have been injured by Fosamax side effects you may be entitled to compensation. For more information about your legal rights contact the Fosamax Lawsuit Attorneys of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today.

Osteomyelitis of the Jaw Lawsuit

Osteomyelitis of the jaw is an inflammation of the marrow-filled central cavity of the trabeculae bone, along with the muscles around it.

Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit News Archive::

Read Fosamax Lawsuit Order and Ruling From U.S. District Court Case >>>

Fosamax 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 lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today. The Fosamax lawyers of Ennis & Ennis specialize in Fosamax lawsuits resulting from Fosamax 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.