Fosamax Lawsuits Continue to Pile Up Against Merck
According to a report published last week by Lloyds Corporate Litigation Reporter, Merck & Co., Inc. faced approximately 655 Fosamax lawsuits involving over 1,000 plaintiff groups as of June 30, 2008. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of users who have suffered a disfiguring jaw condition, known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, and other side effects related to the oosteoporosis drug.
>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Lawsuits
Fosamax is a popular drug which is prescribed to reduce the risk of bone fractures for those with osteoporosis. It works by killing osteoclast cells which break down bone tissue. However, it has been linked to serious and potentially disfiguring side effects in the jaw, hip, shoulder and knees, known as osteonecrosis or bone decay.
Most of the Fosamax lawsuits which have been filed throughout the United States involve users who have developed osteonecrosis of the jaw, which can develop after dental surgery or any microtrauma to the jaw. It can cause severe pain in the jaw, swelling or infection of the gums, loose teeth and decay of the jaw bone. Open or exposed areas of jaw bone inside the mouth are often experienced, which could lead to a jaw infection requiring surgical removal of portions of dead or decayed jawbone.
Lawsuits have also been filed against Merck by users who have developed osteonecrosis of the hip, osteonecrosis of the shoulder and osteonecrosis of the knee as a side effect of Fosamax.
According to the article in Lloyds Corporate Litigation Reporter, Merck currently has a reserve of $50 million to cover their legal defense costs in the Fosamax litigation. They have publicly stated that they intend to defend all of the Osteonecrosis lawsuits. However, a similar tactic was employed by Merck following their recall of Vioxx. A global Vioxx settlement was eventually reached for $4.85 billion after several cases went to trial.
FOSAMAX ATTORNEYS
The Fosamax attorneys at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent individuals who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw, hip, shoulder or knees. For individuals who have experienced potential symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw, potential cases are being investigated and reviewed to determine if potential benefits may be available through a Fosamax lawsuit. To review a potential case, request a free consultation.
