Fosamax is a kind of drug known as a bisphosphonate, a class of drugs designed to fight the degeneration of bone mass in the human body. Bisphosphonates like Fosamax are prescribed to treat a number bone loss related illnesses including osteoporosis. The patent for Fosamax owned by the Merck & Co., Inc. ended in 2008. Since then, several generic equivalents have been approved by the FDA.
Since 2000, there has been much controversy surrounding the drug and a long series of lawsuits. There is much evidence that suggests the drug could cause osteonecrosis in the jaw. Osteonecrosis is a disease in which blood flow is cut off from an area of bone mass, causing it to die. The persistence of this side effect in innumerous studied cases convinced the FDA to add a warning label to Fosamax, stating that the use of Fosamax could indeed lead to this disease.
A 2009 article in the Journal of the American Dental Association has also warned that use of Fosamax could lead to this disease. It also warned that dental treatment in combination with the use of the drug could increase the chance of developing the debilitating jaw ailment.
Another recent development is that a high profile court case in New Jersey has been scheduled for July of 2010. In the suit, Fosamax is accused of causing the plaintiff’s osteonecrosis of the jaw. The trial could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of thousands of similar lawsuits regarding Fosamax.
However, this would not be the only blow to Fosamax. Recently, two studies have been produced that suggest the possibility of another debilitating side effect. The studies suggest that both male and female users of Fosamax for the treatment of osteoporosis may be at a heightened risk for the occurrence of femur fractures.
The FDA notes that there was no evidence of this possible side effect in a study released on 2008. However, there has been enough concern for the FDA to launch a new investigation into whether or not Fosamax and similar drugs prescribed to fight bone loss could lead to an increased risk of bone disorders such as a higher risk of femur fracture.
Until the investigation is concluded, the FDA has suggested people who currently have prescriptions for Fosamax or its generic equivalents continue to use them. Developments though have certainly put the level of risk Fosamax users take into question.
If you or a loved one has experienced a serious side effect or symptoms of side effects related to Fosamax or similar drugs, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with injuries associated with prescription medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.