Fosamax (Bisphosphonate)
Fosamax Background:
Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. Fosamax is part of the biphosphonate family of drugs. Bisphosphonate drugs are prescribed to treat osteoporosis, a bone disease that reduces the density of bones and makes them more prone to breakage.
Fosamax Problems:
A serious side effect of Fosamax is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). ONJ is a bone disease that affects the jaw. ONJ is caused by the loss of blood to the jaw, causing bone death. The result of ONJ is tooth decay, severe pain of the jaw and death of the jaw tissue. Fosamax also has been linked to low energy femur fractures. Low energy femur fractures occur when someone falls from standing height or less and the resulting fall causes a fracture in the thigh bone.
Medical Response:
On September 24, 2004, a study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons prompted Novartis (a bisphosphonate manufacturer) and the FDA to issue a warning letter to health care professionals warning of the risk of ONJ. On January 7, 2008, the FDA warned that Fosamax had been linked to severe and sometimes debilitating joint, muscle and bone pain. The FDA issued a Safety Labeling Change and REMS Notification Letter on October 13, 2010. In the letter, the FDA notified Merck & Co., Inc. to amend its safety information to include information regarding the increase risk of atypical fractures and diaphyseal femoral fractures.
Potential Symptoms:
Some of the reported symptoms include:
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
- Rapid Tooth Decay
- Infection and/or Pain in the Jaw
- Dull, Aching Thigh Pain
- Femur Fractures
Fosamax Litigation:
James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A. seeks to protect the rights of individuals who have been harmed by the drug Fosamax. James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A. represents individuals harmed by Fosamax on a contingency basis. Contingency basis means that there are never any legal fees unless James, Vernon & Weeks, P.A. wins compensation in your case.
