FosamaxFosamax, also known as
alendronate, is a medication that can be used in
the treatment of osteporosis and to protect
cancer patients from pain and weakness. It is
manufactured by Merck & Company and is in a
class of medications known as bisphosphonates.
Since 2001, more than 2,400 patients have
reported bone death in their jaws – called
Osteonecrosis – after taking Fosamax and similar
medications to prevent or treat bone loss.
With osteonecrosis, the bone tissue in the
jaw fails to heal after minor trauma, such as a
tooth extraction, causing the bone to be
exposed. The exposure can eventually lead to
infection and fracture, and may require
long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to
remove the dying bone tissue.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) occurs when
the jaw does not heal after minor surgery that
causes the bone to be exposed. ONJ can cause
severe infections, swelling and loosening of the
teeth. Often, the dying bone tissue must be
treated with long-term antibiotic therapy or be
removed during surgery. Patients taking Fosamax
or other bisphosphonates should avoid having
major dental work while they are on the
medication due to increased risk of ONJ.
The discovery of the Fosamax-osteonecrosis
connection was first published in the Journal of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in May 2004.
That information prompted the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration to require that all
bisphosphonate labels should mention the risk of
osteonecrosis. Other drug companies updated
their labels to include the warnings in 2004. To
date, Merck has not included the warning on its
Fosamax label.
Bisphosphonates remain in bone indefinitely.
Symptoms of bone death in the jaw include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection of the gums
- Loosening of the teeth
- Poor healing of the gums
- Numbness, or a feeling of heaviness in
the jaw
- Exposed bone.
Fosamax can also irritate the esophagus, and
care must be taken in order to avoid such
irritation. Recently, researchers discovered
that taking Fosamax in combination with the
popular arthritis drug Naproxin may increase the
risk of developing stomach ulcers.
Patients who have bone weakening and pain due
to cancer have little option but to take
bisphosphonates. The concern with these
medications lies with the over 36 million women
who are taking them to prevent or slow
osteoporosis. The number of women who use
bisphosphonates has increased dramatically in
recent years.
In the past, women relied on hormone
replacement therapy to keep their bones healthy
after menopause. But since recent studies linked
estrogen with increased risk of heart disease
and breast cancer, more women are taking Fosamax
and other bisphosphonates at a younger age.
Since these women use the medications for much
longer time spans, they are at an increased risk
of ONJ.
The law limits the amount of time after a
patient incurs an injury to file suit. The
amount of time varies based on the theory of
liability and the state in which the patient
files the suit.
At Paul Hogan, LLC, we can help you
understand your rights and options, and seek
compensation for your injuries. If you or a
loved one has experienced any of the side
effects or injuries from Fosamax, please contact
our office toll free at (800)426-6129 or
contact us via our
online form.
Under the Statute of Limitations, there is a
limited time window in which you have to file a
claim.
>> See Our
Fosamax FAQs
