Fosamax^® Drug Information, including Fosamax Lawsuits

Information provided by Fosamax Lawyers at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP

Common Osteoporosis Drug May Lead to Bone and Jaw Problems.

Fosamax^®, manufactured by Merck, is the world's best-selling medication for osteoporosis. It has been on the market since 1995. Many women are routinely prescribed Fosamax^® as an osteoporosis treatment or prevention. Fosamax^® is an inhibitor of bone resorption used to treat osteoporosis and Paget's Disease of the bone (usually in older people and diagnosed by x-rays where the bone appears larger and more dense than usual).

Fosamax^® may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a severe form of bone damage. Sometimes this Fosamax ® side effect is referred to as "Dead Jaw." In some cases this condition may develop after dental procedures when a person has a history of Fosamax^® usage. Problems arising from the use of Fosamax^® can begin even after it is no longer taken. There may be other drugs in the same class as Fosamax^® that also have the potential to cause ONJ or "Dead Jaw." This class of drugs is often referred to by the medical name "bisphosphonates." Dentists, doctors and other health care providers are increasingly concerned about the number of jaw problems in older patients.

According to the Fosamax^® FDA patient information sheet, "Dental Osteonecrosis of the jaw, generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection, often with delayed healing, has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates. Most reported cases of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis have been in cancer patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates, but some have occurred in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis include a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteroids), poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g., pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection)." The problems caused by Fosamax^® are usually preceded by pain or numbness in the jaw and loosening of the teeth.

Other Fosamax® side effects include jaw decay, osteonecrosis, infection of the jaw, and other related problems. If you or a loved one was injured after using Fosamax®, you may have grounds for a Fosamax® lawsuit; please contact a Fosamax® lawyer at our law firm today for a free consultation. Cappolino Dodd & Krebs, LLP has over 25 years of experience in helping people injured by corporate negligence. We will give your case the personalized attention you deserve.