|
 Osteonecrosis
of the jaw (ONJ), or “dead jaw”, 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. Experts say that prevention
and early treatment of individuals using bisphosphonates
such as Fosamax is extremely important in preserving the jaw
bone. Individuals using Fosamax or other bisphosphonates
should attempt to avoid tooth extractions and other major
dental work while on the drugs. Osteonecrosis occurs when
the bone literally dies and can not regenerate itself due to
an insufficient blood supply.
Fosamax, manufactured by Merck & Company, is a
bisphosphonate, and recently a link has been found between
bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw. That discovery
was published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons, and prompted both the US, Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and Novartis, the manufacturer of
bisphosphonates used in cancer chemotherapy, to issue a
warning to health care professionals on September 24, 2004.
The warning letter contained information about
bisphosphonates and the
risks of
osteonecrosis in the jaw.
Fosamax can also irritate the esophagus and care must be
taken in order to avoid such irritation. Recently,
researchers discovered that taking Fosamax in combination
with the popular arthritis drug Naproxin may greatly
increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
See your doctor if you have experienced
serious side
effects associated with Fosamax. In addition, it may be
important to contact an
attorney who can help you protect your legal rights.
Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within
which you must commence suit.
If you or a loved one have taken Fosamax and have been
injured as a result, contact
the Fosamax lawyers of Hardison & Associates today. We know
that the success of each case depends upon the network of
experts in the medical and legal field who can work with a
firm and the case during its investigation and handling of
pharmaceutical negligence claims. We have made sure our
network of experts is available to assist you in the pursuit
of your claim.
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