subject: Suspected Link Between Fosamax And Femur Fractures [print this page] Fosamax Fracture Fosamax Fracture
The FDA is currently engaged in research which shows that Fosamax, a drug used to treat bone diseases like osteoporosis and Paget's disease, may do more damage than good to patients who take it for extended periods. A connection is currently being investigated between the drug and Fosamax femur fractures. Fosamax is intended to treat the weakening of bones caused by osteoporosis and other diseases. The drug, which is a bisphosphonate, works by stopping the cells that destroy old bone tissue, strengthening the bones. However, researchers have theorized that after using the drug for more than a few years, the bones become very dense with old tissue, causing them to become brittle, which can lead to a Fosamax femur fracture. In addition, safety reviews have been issued by the FDA on the bisphosphonate drug class, which warn of severe bones and joint pain.
Merck, the manufacturer of the drug, claims that there is no causal link between the drug and the Fosamax femur fractures. Despite the company's claim, numerous medical journals in the last couple of years have published the results of studies which point to a direct link between these Fosamax femur fractures, generally resulting from falls from standing height or lower, and the drug.
Fosamax Side Effects
Other than the possibility of a Fosamax femur fracture, patients who have taken the drug for extended periods of time are in danger of a variety of other side effects. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is one of the most severe conditions which can result from taking Fosamax. It can be painful and potentially disfiguring. Surgery is often needed to remove exposed portions of jawbone from inside the mouth. Other conditions linked to the drug are femur fractures, breaks of the thigh bone, osteonecrosis of the jaw, the hip, the knee, or the shoulder, and jaw decay. Osteonecrosis in the hip, knee, and shoulder can lead to debilitating pain and restriction of movement. The FDA has also released a warning that the drug can cause atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats irregularly. People who have taken the drug many not experience side effects, including Fosamax femur fractures, for days, months, or even years after beginning to take the drug.
Many have alleged that Merck failed to provide adequate warnings of the numerous dangerous side effects of Fosamax and claim that the company should be held responsible for the damage it caused to many people who have taken the drug in the past. Due to these claims, there have been hundreds of lawsuits brought against the company. Already in one case, a jury returned a verdict awarding millions of dollars to one woman who suffered from osteonecrosis of the jaw after taking Fosamax.
Fosamax Lawyers
If you or a loved have suffered a fosamax femur fracture or another bone-related ailment while taking Fosamax, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Fosamax lawsuits, including those involving fosamax femur fractures, are currently being filed across the country.
