Doctors Speculate on the Public's Acceptance of Fosamax

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. should be worried about their popular osteoporosis drug Fosamax. New reports have indicated that Fosamax could be causing dead jaw (osteonecrosis of the jaw or ONJ) and esophageal cancer in some patients, and already doctors are seeing patients react to these studies. In the coming months, could we see even more public outcry against Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs?

Do You Have a Jawbone Deterioration Lawsuit? »

The answer to that question isn't simple, since there are so many conflicting reports. Even doctors are split on their opinions of the drug, which is commonly used to treat bone disease. The active ingredient in Fosamax's is alendronate, which attacks the cells in the body that cause osteoporosis and, in effect, increases bone density. The problem is with Fosamax's half-life, or the amount of time the drug stays in the body. Because it remains working for years, the drug can cause bones to develop too much and starve out the bone marrow, an important component in the body. Without bone marrow, bones can't heal and bone death may occur. Hundreds of patients have filed Fosamax lawsuits due to this problem.

In addition, another study has recently linked Fosamax to the development of cancer. One of the known and reported possible side effects of this medication is inflammation of the esophageal lining. However, the Food and Drug Administration and similar departments around the world have been getting reports that some Fosamax patents are also developing throat tumors.

Merck has defended their drug on both accounts, saying that the critical reports are flawed and unreliable, but doctors speculate that these news stories may cause some patient to discontinue use of the drug. In a statement to ABC, Merck representative Ronald Rogers has said, "I couldn't possibly speculate on how these two publications will affect public opinion. What I would hope is that if the public has concerns, they speak with their physician." However, Dr. Donna Shoupe of the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California has noted that the public reaction has already started, saying "The link between osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonates - especially Fosamax - has already had some negative impact. I think this new publication, especially if the media reports it on the national news programs, may again have significant impact."

Fosamax has been at the center of other controversies, and results have been somewhat negative. For example, an earlier report that the drug increases risks of heart disease has caused many patients to stop using it, even though studies have since shown flaws in this association. In general, patients often only see one side of the story in the media and discontinue use without researching both sides of the story.

Contact Our Fosamax Lawyers Today »

Osteoporosis is a very serious disease, and patients should never stop using Fosamax or any other type of drug without consulting their doctor first. While many think that these new reports may be just the start of bigger problems with Fosamax, others see flaws in the study and consider the benefits of the drug to outweigh the risks. The only certainty is that more studies need to be done and patients who have concerns need to talk to their doctors. If you've experienced problems, don't be afraid contact a lawyer to learn about your rights and current Fosamax lawsuits that could help your case.

Talk to a Lawyer