What is Fosamax?
Fosamax, which has the generic name of alendronate, is marketed by Merck & Co. Fosamax is prescribed to treat and to prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause; it is also used to increase the bone mass of men with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to weaken and break. Some reports indicate that as much as half of the men and women over the age of 75 are affected by osteoporosis. Fosamax is a member of the class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. This class of drugs is designed to inhibit bone breakdown. They decrease the activity of cells that break down bones in the body.
Fosamax and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Recently, studies have shown that there may be a link between the use of bisphosphonates, including Fosamax, and osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as "jaw death." Osteonecrosis, also referred to as “bone death”, is the destruction of bone tissue. The condition is often associated with the interference of the blood supply to the bone. The condition of jaw death may be triggered in the jaw by oral surgery or having teeth pulled. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be extremely painful and may lead to additional complications, such as infection, breakdown of the jawbone, and ulcerations in the lining of the mouth.
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Fosamax and FDA Label Change
In a report for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeryinvolving 63 patients who developed osteonecrosis of the jaw after having oral surgery, it was found that approximately 10% of those patients had been taking Fosamax. The chairman of the division of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Miami, Robert Marx, has said that he is aware of at least 40 or 50 cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw nationwide, in patients who had been treated with Fosamax. The FDA has asked the manufacturers of all bisphosphonates to include a new warning in the labeling of the medications concerning the possible link to osteonecrosis of the jaw. It is not known if ceasing the use of Fosamax can lower the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw as the bisphosphonate medications metabolize slowly and remain in the bones for many years.
Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit
On April 10, 2006, a class action lawsuit was filed against Merck, charging that Fosamax causes osteonecrosis of the jaw. It also claims that Merck knew about this risk and hid it from the public. It is estimated that there are currently 10 million Fosamax users.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Fosamax and noticed adverse side effects, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw ("jaw death"), you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Fosamax 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 Fosamax. 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.
For more information on Fosamax, visit http://www.lawyerseek.com/Fosamax-MS2/.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Fosamax Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Fosamax-P76/'>Fosamax: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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