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This drug can lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw, causing severe musculoskeletal pain - such as pain of the joints, muscles, and bones—or even loss of the jaw!
IF YOU or a loved one has been injured after taking Fosamax®, contact us today!
Background:
An article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, linked Fosamax®, a popular drug used in the treatment of osteoporosis, with a serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), and severe musculoskeletal pain - such as pain of the joints, muscles, and bones.
Following this article, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed the safety of Fosamax® along with several other drugs in its class - bisphosphonate drugs. In addition, it issued orders to Merck™, the drug manufacturer, to update the label for Fosamax® by including labeling for the jawbone tissue disease. Doctors and patients were also advised on the potential side effects occurring from the use of this drug and recommended discontinuing the drug, should symptoms occur.
Fosamax® had received FDA approval in 1995, and had since been prescribed in the treatment of osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Fosamax® belongs to a type of drug classified as bisphosphonate. Bisphosphonate drugs are normally prescribed as a tablet and used in the treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. More potent forms of the drug are also used in the management of advanced cancers, which have metastasized to the bone causing bone pain and in some cases, even fractures.
Fosamax® and Osteonecrosis
Essentially, Fosamax® is designed to reduce the activity of the cells which cause bone loss and lessen the rapid rate of bone loss in post-menopausal women. However, this also makes the drug a potent force in triggering conditions such as osteonecrosis of the jawbone.
The condition develops when the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal, allowing the bone to be exposed, and consequently leading to infection of the jaw bone. In the case of individuals using Fosamax®, such conditions could be triggered even after minor procedures, such as tooth extraction. The bone exposure may lead to complications such as infections and fractures, which may be cured through long term antibiotic therapy and in some cases, may involve surgery to remove the infected bone tissue.
Typically, loss of blood supply to the jaw would precede the occurrence of this condition. When the condition occurs, it is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Pain in the jaw area
- Swelling of the gums
- Loose and weak teeth
- Exposed jaw bone
- Numbness and feeling of heaviness in the jaw.
Experts indicate that individuals using bisphosphonates such as Fosamax® should seek early treatment in avoiding jaw bone infection, and preserving their jaw bone. They also recommend that individuals, who have been using Fosamax® or other bisphosphonates, should avoid tooth extractions and any other major dental procedures which may impact and / or involve the jaw bone.
An article published in the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma, in its May/June 2008 issue also linked Fosamax® to Low Energy Femur Fractures. This is a rare type of fracture which occurs when an individual falls from standing height or less. The article presented results from a study that evaluated 70 patients who had suffered low-energy femur fractures, and observed that 36% of the patients had been taking Fosamax® for a period of four years or more.
Fosamax® Side Effects Lawsuit
While most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw, attributed to the use of Fosamax®, have occurred mainly after dental procedures, several instances have also been cited where the disease has been triggered, without any prior dental work.
If you or a loved one took Fosamax® and have suffered Osteonecrosis of the Jaw as a side effect, you may file for a Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit, and be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering and loss of productive time.
Contact our qualified Fosamax Lawyer for a free case evaluation regarding a possible Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuit. Our Fosamax Lawyer will provide complete information on your legal rights, and offer professional counsel at every step of the process.
Our Fosamax ONJ Class Action Attorneys bring you expertise garnered over years of experience in handling medico-legal cases. Call our Fosamax ONJ Class Action Attorneys today for a free consultation.
