Fosamax Warning

Warning: Fosamax has been known to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (rotting of the jaw bone).

Fosamax (Generic: Alendronate), is manufactured by Merck and gained FDA approval in 1995. It is a bisphosphonate that is prescribed to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Individuals using Fosamax or other bisphosphonates should attempt to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while on the drugs.

Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax are commonly administered in tablet form to prevent and treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Stronger forms of bisphosphonates are commonly used in the management of advanced cancers that have metastasized to the bone, where the disease often causes bone pain and possibly even fractures. Several cancers can involve or metastasize to the bone, including lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and others. When bisphosphonates are given in cancer chemotherapy, the drugs are given intravenously and usually for long periods of time.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), also known as 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 patients using bisphosphonates such as Fosamax is extremely important in preserving the jawbone.

Findings published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons prompted the FDA and the manufacturer of Fosamax to issue a warning to health care professionals on September 24, 2004. However, a warning was not added to the drug's label until July 2005.

According to a lawsuit filed Wednesday, April 12, 2006, Fosamax is a defective product because it can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, or a rotting of the jaw bone. The suit, which seeks to become a class action, alleges that Merck initially concealed and continues to hide Fosamax's potentially dangerous side effects from patients and doctors.

If you have taken Fosamax and have suffered any of these problems, contact us today!

Your time may be short to collect compensatory or punitive damages for your serious injuries. If you, your family or someone you know has been injured, email us now for a free, private consultation. Knowledge is power- we'd like to help you!