What is Aredia?
The pharmaceutical company Novartis markets Aredia, which has the generic name of pamidronate disodium. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of hypercalcemia associated with malignancy, Paget's disease, osteolytic bone metastases of breast cancer and osteolytic lesions of multiple myeloma. Aredia belongs to a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates, which includes the medications Zometa, Actonel, and Fosamax. Aredia and Zometa are both intravenous bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates are designed to inhibit the breakdown of bone by decreasing the activity of osteoclasts. Aredia received FDA approval in 1991.
Aredia and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Bisphosphonates in general have been linked to more than one thousand reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw. In a report published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 63 patients suffering from osteonecrosis of the jaw were examined. All 63 of the patients had undergone treatment with bisphosphonates. Fifty-six of the patients had used one of the intravenous bisphosphonates Zometa or Aredia. The remaining patients had used one of the oral bisphosphonates, either Fosamax or Actonel. Novartis, who markets both Aredia and Zometa, added precautions to the labeling of each medication addressing the reported link to osteonecrosis of the jaw in bisphosphonate users. Patients have been advised to undergo a dental examination and attempt to correct any dental problems before beginning treatment with bisphosphonates. Invasive dental procedures such as tooth extraction should be avoided while taking bisphosphonates. There is no indication as to whether or not stopping the use of bisphosphonates will lower the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Aredia and noticed adverse side effects, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Aredia litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP’s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Aredia. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Aredia Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Aredia-P133/'>Aredia: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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