subject: Fosamax Linked To Femur Fractures [print this page] Fosamax Manufactured by Merck has a Number of Side Effects:
The prescription drug, Fosamax, is manufactured by the large pharmaceutical company Merck. This drug is used to treat male and female patients with osteoporosis or those who will develop osteoporosis as well as Pagets disease. Fosamax is used to restore an imbalance in bone remodeling that occurs during the aging process. As we age, the breaking down of bone occurs at a faster rate than the rebuilding of bone, creating an imbalance. This in turn makes bone full of hole or porous and hence the name osteoporosis. There have been numerous reports from healthcare providers and patients indicating a number of Fosamax side effects. These side effects include Fosamax Femur Fractures, osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), headaches, nausea, rashes and ulcerations of the esophagus. Osteonecrosis of the jaw involves a loss of blood flow to the bones of the jaw. When jaw tissue doesnt receive enough blood flow, the bone tissue begins to deteriorate and eventually dies, leading to the collapse of the jaw. Fosamax Femur Fractures have been reported with patients who were on long-term Fosamax treatment usually for five years or more. These are referred to as unusual femur fractures in that they involved low-energy trauma given that they occurred from a sitting or standing position when the patient was doing basically nothing. Although this mechanism is not well understood, X-rays have demonstrated that these patients had what looked like strong bone indicating high concentrations of calcium. This concentration of calcium may be too high, making the bone brittle. It is also known that Fosamax slows down the production of collagen in bone, which is necessary for bone flexibility. Too much calcium and not enough collagen will make bone brittle and more likely to fracture. Although certain studies indicate that short-term Fosamax therapy may be an effective drug in reducing the number of fractures for the spine and hip, there appears to be a problem with femur fractures. Clinical studies concentrated on examining the spine and hip as opposed to the femur bone because the femur happens to be the strongest bone in the body.
Merck is Now Faced with a Number of Fosamax Lawsuits:
Unfortunately, the FDA has received many reports about Fosamax Femur Fractures but has been very slow in responding to physicians and patients. The FDA now requires Merck, the manufacturer of Fosamax, to add a Fosamax warning on Fosamax packaging about these unusual femur fractures and bone pain but this didnt take place until 2009.
Due to Fosamax Femur Fractures, Merck is now faced with a number of lawsuits. Femur fractures are very difficult to repair, very painful and require long-term therapy. Given that Merck didnt properly provide a Fosamax warning to consumers and healthcare providers, they have been accused of being negligent in their duties. Merck should have been able to ensure that Fosamax was safe and effective.
If you have experienced Fosamax Femur Fractures, jaw bone necrosis or esophagus problems while on Fosamax, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Fosamax lawsuits are currently being filed across the country.
