Fosamax

Fosamax^®/Osteoporosis Medication Lawsuit

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans. Many people diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia take medications known as bisphosphonates.

Since bisphosphonates were first approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in 1995, millions of people, primarily women, have been treated with them. These drugs include Actonel^®, Boniva^®, Declast^®, Fosamax^® and Fosamax^® +D among others.

These drugs are designed to strengthen bones of those who may be losing bone mass as a result of menopause. The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons published an article linking Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) also known as “dead jaw”. In January 2005 Merck, the manufacturer, received a request for data from the FDA to update the label for Fosamax to include labeling for the jawbone tissue disease.

In January, 2008 the FDA warned that Fosamax had been linked to severe bone, joint and muscle pain and doctors and patients have been advised to be aware of this side effect and to discontinue Fosamax use if it occurs.

On September 14, 2010 the expert Task Force at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) released a study that indicates a connection between a risk of femur fractures and bisphosphonates. Recommendations from the study include product label changes alerting patients and healthcare providers of the risk of femur fractures associated with long term use of bisphosphonates. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is considering these recommendations and may intervene to force drug companies who manufacture bisphosphoates to change their labels. Another medical study in the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma has linked Fosamax to a rare type of fracture in the femur.

In June 2010, a New York jury ordered Merck to pay $8 million to a former Fosamax user who developed osteonecrosis of the jaw. In September 2010, a study published in the British Medical Journal raised questions about a possible link between use of bisphosphonates and cancer of the esophagus. The FDA reported a year and a half prior to the study that there had been 23 cases of the cancer in Fosamax users in the US between 1995 and 2008. To date, over 1,000 lawsuits have been filed as a result of injuries caused by bisphosphonates.

If you or a loved one have taken these medications and experienced any of the symptoms below or would like more information please call Showard Law Firm.

• osteonecrosis of the jaw “dead jaw”
• severe bone, joint and muscle pain
• fractures of the femur (or thigh bone)
• esophogeal (throat) cancer

See the articles below for further information:

• NY Times | F.D.A. to Review Safety of Popular Bone Drugs
• FDA | Bisphosphonates Information
• FDA | Drug Information Page 

Trademark Notice: The use of any product, including Boniva^®, Fosamax^®, Fosamax^® + D, Reclast^®, or Actonel^® is strictly for identification purposes in attorney advertising. They are registered trademarks of the manufacturers. Showard Law Firm is in no way affiliated with the manufacturer of any product referenced on this site.