Fosamax Information
What is Fosamax?
Fosamax is Merck's osteoporosis management drug, generically known as alendronate, which is part of a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. Fosamax is used to treat osteoporosis and bone pain caused by some cancers. Recent studies have shown a possible link between using Fosamax for osteoporosis and developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis, or ONJ, is the destruction of bone tissue, sometimes associated with interference of the blood supply to bone. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be very painful and may lead to other complications such as infection, breakdown of the jawbone, ulcerations in the mouth, non-healing wounds, and osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone marrow). Once necrosis begins, it is irreversible. Merck was advised by the FDA in 2004 to include a warning in the drug label but failed to comply until almost a year later.
- What Fosamax Patients Should Know About Symptoms of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
- There has been increased attention over the past couple of years given to the association between the use of oral bisphosphonates such as Fosamax and the serious side effect osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). It is understandable, therefore, that Fosamax patients want to know the early signs and symptoms of ONJ, which is sometimes referred to as jaw bone decay. Furthermore, the unfortunate patient diagnosed with this type of osteonecrosis should know how the extent of their condition determines the staging of ONJ upon diagnosis as well as their course of treatment thereafter.
- Theories on How Fosamax Causes Drug-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
- It is now generally accepted that there is an association between the use of Fosamax, an oral bisphosphonate, and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a serious side effect which also has been referred to as jaw rot or jawbone death. In 2006 there were two medical journal articles that provided new information about how Fosamax might cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and, in connection with those causation theories, what are some of the predisposing, or risk, factors for ONJ as regards patients using Fosamax and other bisphosphonates.
- Merck Failed To Warn About Fosamax Adverse Side Effects In A Timely Manner
- For almost a year, Merck & Co. failed to warn doctors and patients about osteonecrosis of the jaw (rotting of the jaw bone), a serious side effect that has been associated with its osteoporosis drug Fosamax (alendronate).
- How and Why Fosamax Causes Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
- In an article entitled "Bisphosphonate-induced exposed bone of the jaws", Robert Marx, MD provides insight about why the jaw bone is susceptible to osteonecrosis, or "bone death." The serious jaw bone condition can develop years after a person stops taking Fosamax.
- Serious Side Effects of Fosamax: Osteonecrosis and Jaw Bone Death
- Because Fosamax and other bisphosphonates remain in the bone for an extended period, Dr. Salvatore Ruggiero speculates that their long-term use could negatively affect the delicate balance in the jaw which exists normally between those cells that put calcium in bone and those cells that take calcium away, and thereby cause osteonecrosis of the jaw. Some dentists and doctors have started to call this increasingly prevalent problem "bisphossy jaw".
- Fosamax and Legal Compensation
- Statutes of limitations deadlines can mean no legal compensation for Fosamax side effects such as osteonecrosis or osteomyelitis leading to injury or death.
- Free Fosamax Case Evaluation
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