Fosamax Bone Loss
(800) 716-5901
Fosamax bone loss is the basis of some 400 individual lawsuits against the maker of the drug ─ the global pharmaceutical company Merck. A litigation fund set aside by Merck was reported to be $50 million, but since Merck sold about $3 billion dollars' worth of Fosamax in 2007 alone, the litigation fund is not a significant cost for the company.
Osteoporosis, Cancer, Paget's Disease
Patients with Fosamax-related bone damage are often women over the age of 50 who were prescribed Fosamax to prevent or slow the progression of osteoporosis (thinning of bone density). However, Fosamax is also used to treat bone metastases and high blood calcium levels in some cancer patients, and bone problems in patients with Paget's disease.
Fosamax, like other bisphosphonates such as Actonel and Boniva is designed to lessen the activity of bone-dissolving cells, preserving bone density.
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (Jaw Death)
A particularly troubling example of Fosamax-related bone loss is osteonecrosis of the jaw (also known as ONJ or "jaw death"). An individual with ONJ, a very rare condition among the general population, can lose some or all of the jaw bone if the bone loss progresses.
If you have taken Fosamax (even in the remote past) and you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should contact your physician:
· a numb or heavy feeling in the jaw
· pain/swelling of the gums
· the gums are healing poorly after dental work
· a gum infection
· teeth becoming loose
· partial or complete loss of jaw bone tissue
Fosamax Bone Damage in the Legs
In addition to bone loss in the jaw, it appears that Fosamax treatment can cause bone damage in other parts of the body. A personal injury lawsuit was initiated in early 2008 by a 53-year-old woman who took Fosamax for more than eight years. She contends that stress fractures and musculoskeletal pain in her leg bones are due to the Fosamax treatment. The case will be heard in a New Jersey state court.
Talk to a Fosamax Lawyer Today
Taking a medication that supposedly will preserve bone density should not result in bone loss or stress fractures. If you're suffering from an adverse effect of Fosamax treatment, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your options.
