| Fosamax,
also known as alendronate, is a medication used for bone
loss, but has been implicated in the serious necrosis of
the jaw and other bones, a condition known as "osteonecrosis"
- also called "bone death."
Fosamax, manufactured by Merck & Company, is a
bisphosphonate medication used to increase bone mass,
reduce bone fractures, and prevent and treat
osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. However, cases of
osteonecrosis (involving the jaw) have been reported in
patients treated with bisphosphonates. The majority of
the reported cases are in cancer patients who are
having, or have had, a dental procedure.
With osteonecrosis, 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 using the
drug.
The discovery of the Fosamax-osteonecrosis connection
was first published in the Journal of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons in May 2004. That information
prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to
require that all bisphosphonate labels mention
osteonecrosis. Other drug companies updated their labels
to include the warnings in 2004. To date, Merck has not
included the warning on its Fosamax label.
Bisphosphonates remain in the bone indefinitely.
Symptoms of bone death in the jaw include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Infection of the gums
- Loosening of the teeth
- Poor healing of the gums
- Numbness, or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw
- Exposed bone.
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
increase the risk of developing stomach ulcers.
Contact 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 have been injured by Fosamax, you may be
entitled to compensation. For 30 years, the lawyers of
Hardison & Associates have defended those injured or
killed because of harmful prescription drugs. 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. We
look forward to meeting you and discussing your claim.
Please know that we appreciate very much the trust you
have placed in our firm.
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