More than four million women in the United States currently take Fosamax. It was first approved by the FDA to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget’s disease and later a pre-osteoporosis condition called, ostepenia. Since Fosamax’s patent expired three years ago the generic version (bisphosphonates) has been widely marketed.
Our Fosamax claim office is monitoring the upcoming two FDA advisory panels who will decide whether women taking the drug should take a “drug holiday” because of the increasing evidence that Fosamax side effects may outweigh the drug’s benefits.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZKAMJYeIkc[/youtube]br />
After 16 years on the market the concern is focused on how long-term (more than 3-5 year) use of the drug proves may actually cause bones to weaken. There have been an alarming number of women who have suffered sudden bone fractures and bone death. Currently, Merck is facing over 1000 law suits from patients claiming jaw bone injuries and 535 claims of broken femurs (legs) and other bones. Of the four cases that have already gone to jury, Merck won three and is appealing the fourth that resulted in a verdict of $8 million.
Fosamax is marketed as Alendronate (Fosamax, Fosamax Plus D) Etidronate (Didronel), Ibandronate (Boniva), Pamidronate (Aredia), Risedronate (Actonel, Actonel W/Calcium), Tiludronate (Skelid), and Zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa). As a Florida Fosamax injury lawyer I recommend that, before you consider taking Fosamax or if you are presently taking the drug, ask your doctor to examine your mouth and see a dentist. It is vital that you maintain good mouth care during Fosamax treatement. In addition, if you have developed any unusual pain in your leg, hip or groin, immediately notify your physician.
Our Fosamax injury lawyers hope that the FDA will order stronger labeling and warnings on Fosaxmax and the generic drugs as well as outright banning its long term use in patients where the benefit is outweighed by the risk.
