Will Side Effect Reports Scare Fosamax Patients?

Fosamax, a bisphosphonate drug, is most commonly used to treat osteoporosis in men and women, but over the last several years, very serious side effect claims have been mounting against this drug. Unsurprisingly, patients using or considering Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs as a solution for bone disease are concerned. Will these side effect reports scare patients to the point of not using the drug anymore, and more importantly, is it safe to stop using it or find other options?

Do You Have a Jawbone Deterioration Lawsuit? »

It has been long known that Fosamax puts patients at risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw, also called ONJ or dead jaw. With this kind of bone decay, you might have jaw pain, gum infections, loose teeth, and exposed bones in the mouth. This can cause infections and lead to a need for surgery. Jaw osteonecrosis is rare, occurring most often after a non-related dental procedure.

After patients began coming forward with claims linking Fosamax and jaw bone loss, studies found that Fosamax could cause osteonecrosis of the hip, knee, and shoulder as well, which leads to severe bone pain, mobility problems, and more. Looking at nearly 88,000 patients using Fosamax, researchers found the patients' osteonecrosis risk increased three times with the use of Fosamax. Over 650 lawsuits against Merck, the makers of Fosamax, have been filed, and more patients are coming out of the woodwork every day to file Fosamax lawsuits.

This isn't the only side effect report that has recently been scaring Fosamax patients. In January 2009, the Food and Drug Administration released a report in a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine stating that this drug has also caused esophageal cancer in a small number of patients. Actonel and Boniva were also named as culprits as well. When the report was released, the FDA had received 23 reports of the link between Fosamax and cancer, and eight of those patients had already passed away. There were another 21 reports filed in other countries, and since then, more claims have been made. Esophagitis, or inflammation of the throat, was known as a side effect of Fosamax. Additionally, there is a link between osteonecrosis of the jaw and esophageal cancer. Up to 10% of cancer patients who take bisphosphonate drugs develop dead jaw.

So, the question here is this: with all of the Fosamax lawsuits awaiting trial, should you be scared if you are currently using this drug?

Contact Our Fosamax Lawyers Today »

The answer isn't a clear yes or no. There are over two billion patients currently using Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs, which means that only a very small number of patients are experiencing problems. If the FDA believed that the problem was significant, they would have recalled the drug to help protect consumers. As it stands, you are safer taking the drug at your doctor's discretion for your health problems than stopping use completely. However, the potential side effects and dangers are very real. If you're experiencing any kind of jaw, hip, shoulder, knee, or throat pain, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately. Remember, you have legal rights, and if you've experienced problems while using this drug, talk to a lawyer right away.

Talk to a Lawyer