Fosamax Femur Fractures, ONJ (Osteonecrosis of the Jaw) Side Effects Lawsuits

Fosamax Lawsuits | Fosamax Lawyers | Fosamax Side Effects: Femur Fractures, Thigh Fractures, Bone Fractures, Bone Breaks, Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Injury, Severe Musculoskeletal Pain

Gilman Law LLP, a leading national law firm with over 30 years of experience protecting the rights of victims, is now accepting claims for Fosamax class action lawsuits involving side effects such as femur fractures, bone fractures, Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ or “Dead Jaw Syndrome”), and esophageal cancer stemming from use of Fosamax.

Fosamax is mainly used as an osteoporosis drug for postmenopausal women.  However, it is also approved for a variety of other indications, including other bone diseases such as Paget’s disease. These drugs are also given to cancer patients for the prevention of fractures due to bone metastases.

Other Bisphosphonates: Actonel, Aredia, Bisphosphonates, Bonefos, Boniva, Didronel, Reclast, Skelid, Zometa

Fosamax Side Effects and Symptoms

Femur Fractures (Atypical (thigh) fractures): Subtrochanteric (the bone just below the hip joint) and diaphyseal femur (the long part of the thigh bone) have been seen to occur in women who have been on Fosamax for a number of years.
ONJ or Dead Jaw Syndrome: Destruction of the bone tissue in the jaw that can lead to degradation of the jaw bone, gum loss, swelling and infection.
Esophageal cancer: Swallowing difficulties, chest pain, and new or worsening heartburn.

FDA Warning on Fosamax Femur Fractures (Atypical Thigh Fractures)

In October 2010, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) asked the maker of Fosamax to add information to the “Warnings and Precautions” section of the drug’s label describing the risk of atypical thigh fractures. The FDA’s action was prompted by a study of more than 300 women who sustained such fractures, 94 percent of whom had taken Fosamax or a similar drug for osteoporosis. Most had been on the drugs for five years or more.

FDA Warning on ONJ/Dead Jaw Syndrome

ONJ or Dead Jaw Syndrome is a condition in which the bone tissue in the jaw fails to heal after minor trauma such as a tooth extraction, causing the bone to be exposed.  The exposure can eventually lead to infection and fracture and may require long-term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue.  In July 2005, the FDA had the Fosamax label updated to include a warning regarding ONJ.

FDA Safety Review of Fosamax for Esophageal Cancer

The FDA is currently reviewing a possible link between Fosamax and esophageal cancer. In a Drug Safety Communication issued by the agency in July 2011, the FDA said one of the studies included in its safety review found a doubling of the risk among patients who had 10 or more prescriptions of bone drugs like Fosamax, or had taken such drugs for longer than 3 years.  However, another study reported no increased risk.  Because of the conflicting studies, the FDA review of Fosamax and esophageal cancer is ongoing.

What is Fosamax?

Fosamax is known generically as alendronate, and belongs to a class of drugs known as oral bisphosphonates.  Fosamax is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily) in women who have undergone menopause and to treat osteoporosis in men.  Fosamax is also used to treat osteoporosis in people who are taking corticosteroids, and it is used to treat Paget’s disease of bone. Fosamax binds to certain cells in bones and slows down the rate at which they break down. Fosamax was brought to market by Merck & Co. in 1995, and was aggressively marketed by the drug maker to women at risk for osteoporosis.  However, as the number of side effects associated with the medication has grown, more doctors are questioning if anyone should use Fosamax longer than five years.   For more information on Fosamax, watch this ABC News video.
 

The Latest News on Fosamax Lawsuits

• State recovers $6 million in settlement with Merck – The Lane Report
• FDA Reports Fosamax May Not Help Women Long Term – Albany Times Union
• FDA Report Suggests Women Reassess Bone Drug Use Due To Serious Adverse Events – RedOrbit
• FDA review questions long-term use of bone-building drugs – FiercePharma
• FDA Analysis Cautions Against Long Term Fosamax Use Due to Bisphosphonate … – San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
• Second Circuit affirms dismissal of claims against Merck – Legal News Line
• Investigator: Generic drugs immune to lawsuits – WKYC-TV
• Bernstein Liebhard Partner Jeffrey S. Grand Appointed To Plaintiffs' Steering … – San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
• Rottenstein Law Group Disheartened by Merck's Claim of Fifth Fosamax Court Victory – Albany Times Union
• Rottenstein Law Group Disheartened by Merck's Claim of Fifth Fosamax Court Victory – PR Web (press release)

Legal Help for Victims of Fosamax Side Effects

If you or someone you know is suffering from thigh fractures, Dead Jaw Syndrome or esophageal cancer following the use of Fosamax, Gilman Law is here to help.  For a free evaluation of your Fosamax lawsuit or potential Fosamax class action lawsuit case involving Fosamax femur fractures or other side effects, please fill out the online form on the left or call Toll Free at 1-888-252-0048.