Fosamax

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Fosamax is a drug used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. It is manufactured by Merck and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1995. Fosamax is in a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are used to increase bone mass and reduce bone fractures. Typically, bisphosphonates are prescribed in tablet form such as Fosamax (generic name – Alendronate Sodium). Intravenous bisphosphonates such as Zometa and Aredia are used to manage advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bone, causing bone pain and possibly fractures.

Bisphosphonates, like Fosamax, have been linked to a serious bone disease called osteonecrosis, also called “bone death”. This link was discovered by doctors at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) in New York, in December of 2004 and published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

In the study, a review of patient records revealed that all 63 patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis over a three-year period, had received long-term bisphosphonate therapy. Most of these (57) were cancer patients who had received the intravenous bisphosphonates Zomenta and Aredia. About 10% were osteoporosis patients who had taken an oral bisphosphonate, mainly Fosamax. Doctors reported that each patient had developed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) after normal bone trauma, such as a tooth extraction. The bone tissue refuses to heal and begins to die. This condition may result in serious infection and fractures. Most patients require surgery to remove the diseased bone. The American Association of Endodontists has released a position statement on the problem. “Until further information is available, it would appear prudent to consider ALL patients taking bisphosphonates to be at some risk”

Experts believe that just a fraction of the adverse conditions linked to bisphosphonates are reported to the FDA. Salvatore Ruggiero, chief of oral and maxillofacial surgery at LIJ, reports that as of March 2005 he has seen 13 cases of ONJ in patients treated with an oral bisphosphonate. Robert Marx, chairman of the division of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Florida’s University of Miami reports he is aware of 40 to 50 cases of ONJ, in the United States, in patients using Fosamax.

The discovery of the connection between osteonecrosis and Fosamax prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in March 2005, to conclude that the labels of all bisphosphonates should include information about osteonecrosis. Merck has not complied, as of May 2006.

If you believe that you or a loved one has become ill due to the use of Fosamax, you need a law firm that is experienced in handling these cases. If our firm is not qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

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