Fosamax osteonecrosis risk could also impact bone in shoulders, knees and hips
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. currently represent individuals who are pursuing lawsuits after developing osteonecrosis of the jaw as a side effect of Fosamax. A new study indicates that the popular osteoporosis drug could also increase the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the knee, hip or shoulders, which leads to painful and debilitating deterioration of the bone.
>>INFORMATION: Fosamax side effects
Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is an oral medication manufactured by Merck & Co, which is part of a class of drugs known as bisphosphonates. The medication is prescribed to millions of people for treatment of osteoporosis and works by increasing bone mass density to reduce the risk of fractures. However, a disfiguring and incapacitating Fosamax side effect could be an increased risk of bone necrosis, or bone death.
For nearly two years, Merck has faced Fosamax lawsuits from users who have been diagnosed with jaw osteonecrosis. Studies linked the drug to an increased risk of the irreversible decay of the jaw bone, and many users have suffered jaw infections, exposed bone inside the mouth or required surgery to remove dead portions of their jaw bone.
>>INFORMATION: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Symptoms
In a study released online yesterday by the Journal of Rheumatology, Canadian researchers found that bisphosphonates, including Actonel, Didrocal and Fosamax, increase the risk of bone necrosis nearly three times. In addition to causing necrosis of the jaw bone, the drugs could also lead to deterioration and death of bone in the shoulders, knees and hips, which results in severe pain and mobility problems.
The study looked at the health records for about 88,000 people from 1996 through 2003 to evaluate the extent of the osteonecrosis side effects associated with Fosamax and the other bisphosphonates. Researchers indicated that the long half life of bisphosphonates, which remain in the system much longer than most medications, could account for the bone decay side effects. The build up of the medication over time could disrupt the blood supply to the bone, causing it to die and become necrotic.
The study comes one week after the FDA issued an alert about muscle, joint and bone pain side effects associated with Fosamax and other bisphosphonates. The alert was issued because many physicians are unaware of that their patients’ bone pain could be a side effect of the osteoporosis drugs,. The FDA indicated that they are conducting an ongoing review of hundreds of reports of pain suffered by users of bisphosphonates.
FOSAMAX BONE NECROSIS LAWSUITS
The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. are now reviewing potential lawsuits for individuals who have been diagnosed with jaw osteonecrosis, hip osteonecrosis, shoulder osteonecrosis or knee osteonecrosis. If you, a friend or family member may be experiencing problems as a result of the Fosamax side effects, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
