subject: Fosamax Review: Indications [print this page] Fosamax was one of the best selling drugs in the United States in 2007 with sales exceeding $3 billion. Every year more or less 20 million prescriptions are being filled for this osteoporosis medication. Though the numbers are not very shocking since this drug is among the first line of treatment for certain illnesses that affect a lot of people.
Despite being the wonder drug for certain bone problems, it is imperative to take note that using this drug entails the risk for some severe side effects. Even off-label Fosamax use could lead to femur fractures and other problems including osteonecrosis of the jaw. Listed below are the accepted indications for Fosamax by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the most debilitating disease where your bones lose density over time resulting in weak and fragile bones. It is twice as common in women than it is men, especially in the menopausal stage. Osteoporosis in men is usually the result of glucocorticoid or steroid medications over a long duration.
If left untreated, patient may sustain fracture in the hips, wrist, ribs and spine which are the most common sites of osteoporosis-related fractures.
Osteopenia. Osteopenia is a condition very much related to osteoporosis and that many health care providers consider it as the precursor of the said disease[osteoporosis]. Patients suffering from osteoporosis are given Fosamax to reduce the rate of their bone loss. If untreated, patient may succumb to osteoporosis where the risk for fracture is a higher.
Pagets disease. Pagets disease, also known as osteitis deformans, is a rare bone disorder where there is excessive breakdown and formation of bone tissue. Consequently, bones become enlarged, deformed and fragile which may cause bone pain, arthritis, bony deformities and fractures. More commonly, Pagets disease strike people aging above 40 years old and it seems that this drug is also running in the family.
Any conditions treated with besides the ones stated above have not been approved by the FDA. Your physician my prescribe Fosamax for off-label use and if so, you need to ask your him/her about the risks involved with the use of the drug. A number of people have already raised complaints and filed Fosamax lawsuits against Merck- the drug maker, for allegedly missing the osteoporosis warnings.
