Lawsuits have been filed against Fosamax, one of the most prescribed drugs to increase bone density in patients with osteoporosis. These lawsuits claim Fosamax side effects can lead to osteonecrosis, or bone death in the jawbone. The lawsuits also allege Merck, the manufacturer of the drug, knew about the side effects, but withheld that information from the public.

Since it's introduction, Fosamax has been taken by nearly 10 million men and women. Since 2001 more than 2,400 patients taking bone building medications have reported cases of ONJ, osteonecrosis of the jaw. Most of these reports came from people who took potent, intravenously delivered versions of these drugs, which are known as bisphosphonates. An additional 120 people who were taking bisphosphonates in pill form have suffered from bone, joint or muscle pain leaving them bedridden or in need of walkers, crutches or wheelchairs.

Fosamax Side Effects

Osteonecrosis of the jaw causes severe infections, swelling and loosening of teeth. Osteonecrosis patients often require long term antibiotic therapy or surgery to remove the dying bone tissue. Many people have filed Fosamax lawsuits claiming compensation for their medical costs and for pain and suffering.

Fosamax is the brand name for the drug Alendronate. It belongs to a class of drugs know as bisphosphonates and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Osteoporosis, or thinning of the bones. Bisphosphonate drugs have been used since 1995 to strengthen bone in women who are losing bone density. They have also been used for nearly 15 years to treat cancer patients. Other bisphosphonates include Actonel, Boniva, Bonefos, Didronel, Aredia, Skelid and Zometa.

A connection was discovered between bisphosphonates and a serious bone condition called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). This finding, published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, showed the side effects of Fosamax may include ONJ. Victims of ONJ caused by Fosamax can file for compensation in a court.

The FDA and drug manufacturer Novartis issued warnings to health professionals in September 2004 about the potential of ONJ due to the use of bisphosphonates in chemotherapy patients. Most are treated with a more concentrated form of the drug, usually intravenously. While no statement was made about milder forms of the class, like Fosamax, many researchers see the potential for similar side effects.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a disease in which bone tissue in the jaw does not heal after minor traumas. Dental extractions that cause bone to become exposed can lead to fractures and infections often requiring long-term antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove the dead and dying bone tissue. Some researchers and pharmaceutical experts state that prevention and early treatment of patients using Fosamax is critical in the preservation of a healthy jaw bone. Individuals using Fosamax and other bisphosphonates should try to avoid tooth extractions and other major dental work while taking these medications.

Symptoms of "dead jaw" include irregular sore with exposed bone, pain or swelling in the infected jaw, infection, possibly with pus, altered sensation - numbness or a heavy sensation.

The highest risk factors for ONJ are:
1) taking bisphosphonates, especially in IV form
2) concurrent use of steroids
3) previous history of cancer, osteoporosis or Paget's disease
4) traumatic dental procedure, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.

Fosamax Articles

Possible Good News for Those Taking the Oral Form of Fosamax
Previous research has found a possible connection between the drug Fosamax and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). However, a recent study conducted within the US that involved over 7,000 patients found that the use of drugs such as Fosamax, or bisphosphonates, has very little effect on ONJ when taken orally. Nevertheless, the link has not been completely ruled out despite the promising results of this study.

Fosamax: One Woman’s Story
Karol K. took Fosamax for a year and a half before she developed problems with her teeth and jaw. However, when the problems started, they were severe, requiring the removal of all her original teeth. Compounding the problem is that Karol is a diabetic, so tooth and jaw health are extremely important.

Fosamax: Low-Cost Generics Expand the Risk
The troubles over Fosamax are bound to intensify, with the approval of a new, generic form of the drug that is alleged to cause Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a debilitating disease of the jawbone. With its patent for alendronate having expired, just days ago the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the licensing of the first generic versions of the drug.

Fosamax: Merck Faces More Lawsuits
Fosamax Triples Risk of Bone Necrosis
On January 7, 2008 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert highlighting the possibility of severe and sometimes incapacitating bone, joint, and/or muscle (musculoskeletal) pain in patients taking bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax. The severe musculoskeletal pain may occur within days or even years after starting a bisphosphonates.

Fosamax: Risk of Dead Jaw Syndrome Buried in Product Literature
Fosamax: Adverse Reports just tip of the Iceberg?
Cases of Jaw Bone Death Caused by Fosamax often Unreported
Health Advocates Concerned as FDA Approves New Dosage Strength of Fosamax
Fosamax and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Fosamax: Jaw-Dropping Side Effects
Fosamax: Update Your Warnings
Fosamax Contributed to Jaw Bone Loss
Behind the Scenes Snake Oil Salesmen
Fosamax - Dental Professionals Concerned about ONJ
Fosamax and ONJ: Not much is Known about the Link
FDA needs to Reevaluate Fosamax Safety
Fosamax: The Pain nearly Killed Me
Experts Alarmed by Rising Cases of Fosamax Jaw Bone Death
Cases of Fosamax Jaw Bone Damage continue to Rise
Fosamax Causes, Not Reverses, Bone Loss
Fosamax: A Drug with many Unknowns
Merck keeps right on pushing Fosamax
Cases against Merck for Fosamax Jaw Bone Damage Growing
Fosamax Warning: I wish I hadn't Taken It
Fosamax: Why was it prescribed?
Fosamax does more Harm than Good

Fosamax in the News

JAN-28-08: A Connecticut woman has sued Merck & Co., claiming that Fosamax caused multiple stress fractures and suppressed bone regeneration in her legs. [WALL STREET JOURNAL: FOSAMAX]

JAN-09-08: Fosamax Class Action Ruling Expected to Result in Many More Dead Jaw Syndrome Lawsuits Against Merck. [NEWS INFERNO: FOSAMAX]

AUG-27-07: Seven Texas residents have joined a lawsuit against Merck claiming the drug Fosamax is defective. The plaintiffs allege that Fosamax is "defective, dangerous to human health, unfit and unsuitable to be marketed and sold in commerce and lacked the proper warnings as to the dangers associated with its ingestion." [RECORD: FOSAMAX]

AUG-06-07: A couple has filed a lawsuit against Merck, alleging Fosamax caused a woman's osteonecrosis of the jaw. The plaintiffs claim that Merck failed to warn consumers about the risks of Fosamax. [RECORD: FOSAMAX]

AUG-01-07: A lawsuit has been filed against Merck Pharmaceuticals alleging that the drug maker failed to warn users of Fosamax about its potentially deadly side effects. The plaintiff has been diagnosed with Osteonecrosis of the jaw. [KCBD: FOSAMAX]

JUL-03-07: Fosamax and other bisphsophonates have been linked to osteonecrosis of the jaw, visual disturbances and brittle bones. Doctors have discovered that inhibiting bone loss also inhibits new bone growth. [DAILY MAIL: FOSAMAX]

JUN-12-07: Many women in their 50s and 60s are resistant to trying Fosamax because they are aware of the serious side effects, including ONJ, ulcers, and arterial fibrillation. [POST: FOSAMAX]

MAY-28-07: A lawsuit has been filed in Canada claiming the makers of Fosamax knew about the risk of ONJ but did not warn consumers. The lawsuit seeks class action status. [BLOOMBERG: FOSAMAX]

MAY-23-07: At best, Fosamax only reduces the risk of hip fracture in women with osteoporosis who are 68 years old and have a high risk of fracture, approximately five in every 1,000 women. Taking Fosamax only reduces the risk to two people in every 1,000, making the benefits of taking the drug small when compared with the risk of ONJ. [WOMEN'S NEWS: FOSAMAX]

MAY-18-07: According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, a three-year study of Fosamax showed that it stopped fractures in only three percent of women taking it. [INDEPENDENT JOURNAL: FOSAMAX]

MAY-04-07: In addition to ONJ, women taking Fosamax may be at risk of heart problems. A recent study has found a link between Fosamax use and irregular heart rhythms. [CFNEWS: FOSAMAX]

Fosamax Lawyer Help

If you or a loved one has suffered from ONJ after taking Fosamax, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a Fosamax class action or lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your Fosamax complaint to a Fosamax lawyer for a free case evaluation.