subject: Recent Studies Show Atypical Fractures Are A Possible Fosamax Side Effect [print this page] To date there has been a number of studies have shown that Fosamax, which is a drug created to treat osteoporosis, can possibly cause some long term side effects.In these studies the information has shown that women who are 70 years old or older and have taken Fosamax for over five years have about a three percent high chance of suffering from a femoral shaft fracture than those who used the drugs for fewer than 100 days.In one such study which was published in the December 2008 edition of the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has caused many to file Fosamax Class Action Lawsuits.
Two other more recent studies which were presented at the March 2010 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), similarly reported that Fosamax's side effects may be worse than previously believed.Here's what the studies reported according to an AAOS press release:
Two separate studies by researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Columbia University Medical Center revealed data suggesting that long-term suppression of bone remodeling by bisphosphonate treatments may alter the material properties of bone, potentially affecting the bones mechanical integrity and potentially contributing to the risk of atypical fractures.
Both institutions had scientist which believed that the culprit behind the diminishing results may be the fact that bisphosphonates suppress the bodys natural process of remodeling bone. One scientist goes on to say that Recent research suggests that suppressed bone remodeling from long-term bisphosphonate use might result in brittle bone that is prone to atypical fractures.
After publication of these studies many Fosamax users have begun to claim that Merck failed to do proper research on the drug as well give proper warning to its consumers about the potentially dangerous side effects of the drug. The FDA has also issued a stronger warning to be placed on Fosamax labeling since the time of publication.
While Fosamax has been linked by several studies to atypical fractures, the FDA and Merck both state that more research is needed.If you have suffered a atypical fracture and believe it has been caused by Fosamax, then contact your doctor as soon as possible.
