Fosmax Side Effects Lawsuit

Fosamax Injury Attorney

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is a type of drug known as a bisphosphonate, commonly perscribed 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 (thigh bone) fractures.

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. 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. 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 Side Effects Information:

Low Energey Fosamax Femur Fractures

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. 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.

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 Fosomax or other bisphosphonates should attempt to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while on the drugs.

Osteomyelitis of the Jaw

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

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 Attorneys of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today.

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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.