>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Fracture Lawsuits

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is an osteoporosis drug prescribed millions of people to reduce the risk of fractures, primarily involving the hip. About 1,000 Fosamax lawsuits have already been filed by users of this drug who experienced a rare decay of the jawbone after taking the medication, known as osteonecrosis of the jaw or ONJ. However, more and more doctors and medical experts are now noticing a possible connection between non-impact femur fractures and broken bones from Fosamax.

An ABC News and World Report aired last night discussing the stories of several women who have experienced these spontaneous broken bones and fractures after using the Fosamax for several years. Research into the Fosamax femur fracture side effects suggest that prolonged use of the osteoporosis drug may overly suppress bone metabolism, impacting the ability of the bone to repair microdamage to the femur (thigh bone), which is one of the strongest in the body.

The ABC report highlights how users and the medical community have not been adequately warned about the risk of femur fracture from Fosamax. The FDA told ABC that they are looking into the reports of bone breaks with Fosamax, and Merck issued a statement for the report denying that any causal connection has been established.

Here is the Fosamax femur fracture video from ABC News:

Similar stories continue to turn up about these unexplained Fosamax thigh bone fractures, which can occur after no obvious trauma. The following news report by WCBD-TV, a local NBC Affiliate in Charleston, South Carolina, aired last month:

FOSAMAX FEMUR FRACTURE ATTORNEYS

If you, a friend or family member have suffered a broken thigh bone or femur fracture on Fosamax, you may have a case as a result of Merck’s failure to warn about the potential risk. Fosamax fracture lawsuits are reviewed for users of the drug throughout the United States, and there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. To have a case reviewed by one of our Fosamax attorneys, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Following a three-week Fosamax trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan, the case was submitted to the jury on September 2nd. When deliberations resumed after the Labor Day holiday weekend, several notes were passed to the judge indicating that jurors who sided with the plaintiff were being intimidated, threatened and insulted. Reports suggest that yelling was frequently heard in the hallway outside of the jury room, and one juror indicated that a chair was thrown.

After a “cooling-off” period on Thursday failed to lead any jurors to change their position, a mistrial was granted on Friday afternoon.

As would be expected, Merck has touted it as a victory that the Plaintiff was unable to convince all of the jurors that the she suffered jaw necrosis from Fosamax. However, the case will likely be rescheduled for a new trial next spring. In addition, Tim O’Brien, who was the attorney representing the plaintiff at trial, suggested that the split among the jurors may actually be more of a favorable forecast for plaintiffs in other cases.

The Fosamax trial was the first of more than 900 lawsuits against Merck over Fosamax jaw necrosis, and was selected as one of three “bellwether” trials that would help gauge how jurors would respond to certain evidence. However, this first case involved a plaintiff who developed ONJ no later than September 2003, and most of the damaging evidence about how Merck ignored the Fosamax jaw problems and failed to follow FDA recommendations occurred after that date.

U.S. District Judge John Keenan, who is presiding over the pretrial litigation for all of the Fosamax lawsuits pending in federal court, ruled before trial that the plaintiff in this first case would not be able to introduce evidence involving Merck’s actions after the plaintiff had already developed the jaw problems. However, most of the other Fosamax trials involve individuals who were diagnosed later, which will likely make those plaintiffs’ cases stronger.

FOSAMAX ATTORNEYS

The Fosamax attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent women throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw after using the popular osteoporosis drug. The second and third “bellwether” Fosamax trials are currently scheduled for January and April 2010.

Although the early trials in the Fosamax litigation are already underway, our attorneys are continuing to review potential claims for individuals who have been diagnosed with ONJ or experienced symptoms, such as:

• jaw pain
• infection of the gums or jaw infection
• jaw swelling
• loosening of the teeth
• tooth ache
• poor healing gums
• numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw (“Numb Jaw” or “Heavy Jaw”)
• exposed jawbone and drainage

Fosamax has a very long half-life, and since many users took the drug over a number of years, the consequence of Merck’s failure to warn continues to result in new cases. To review a potential Fosamax lawsuit for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Jaw Damage Side Effects

All federal lawsuits involving Fosamax have been consolidated in an MDL, or multidistrict litigation, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York before Judge John F. Keenan. As part of the pretrial proceedings, three cases were scheduled for early trials, known as “bellwether” cases.

The term “bellwether” refers to how the cases will serve to predict or forecast what may happen in the future. It is derived from the practice of placing a bell around the neck of a castrated ram (a wether) that is leading its flock of sheep, where the movements of the flock could be noted by hearing the bell before the flock was in sight.

The trial that starts today with opening statements involves the plaintiff Shirley Boles, who used Fosamax for a number of years. Boles claims that the build up of the drug in her system, since Fosamax has a long half-life, led to the permanent decay and destruction of her jawbone, known as osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Although Merck & Co., which manufactures Fosamax, indicates that they intend to defend itself in court in these cases, a similar early litigation strategy was employed in cases filed following the 2004 Vioxx recall, which ultimately resulted in a $4.85 billion global settlement for more than 30,000 lawsuits.

As of June 30, 2009, approximately 899 Fosamax lawsuits have been filed in state or federal courts throughout the United States on behalf of 1,280 plaintiff groups.

FOSAMAX LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to investigate potential Fosamax jaw lawsuits on behalf of users of the popular osteoporosis drug who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or experienced symptoms like:

• jaw pain
• infection of the gums or jaw infection
• jaw swelling
• loosening of the teeth
• tooth ache
• poor healing gums
• numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw (“Numb Jaw” or “Heavy Jaw”)
• exposed jawbone and drainage

To review a potential claim and determine if you, a friend or family member may be eligible to pursue a Fosamax case, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Jaw Lawsuits

Fosamax (alendronate sodium) is an oral bisphosphonate that is prescribed to treat osteoporosis by increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures. However, it has been linked to debilitating jaw problems, where the jaw bone actually decays and dies.

Known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, ONJ or jaw necrosis, this side effect of Fosamax is irreversible and debilitating. It could result in exposed areas of bone inside the mouth and may lead to the need for surgery to remove portions of the jaw.

A study published earlier this year in the Journal of the American Dental Association was the first large institutional study regarding the use of Fosamax and ONJ. Researchers found that 9 out of the 208 participants who used oral bisphosphonates for any length of time developed ONJ. This is over 4%, or about 1 in 25 patients, which is substantially higher than Merck would want users to believe.

FOSAMAX ONJ LAWSUITS

The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with this disfiguring jaw condition.

Potential lawsuits are still being reviewed for those who suspect that they, a friend or family member may be suffering from Fosamax ONJ problems. Free consultations and claim evaluations are provided to help determine if financial compensation may be available from Merck for failing to warn about the risk, and there are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.

To review a potential case with our attorneys, request a free Fosamax ONJ lawsuit consultation.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax side effects

According to the FDA’s Diane Wysowski, at least 44 users in the United States, Europe and Japan have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer after using Fosamax. Another 6 cases of esophageal tumors outside the United States were associated with other oral bisphophonates, such as Actonel, Boniva and Didronel, or a combination of the drugs.

Esophagitis, which involves inflammation of the lining of the esophageal tube that carries food and liquid between the throat and stomach, is a known side effect of Fosamax and oral bisphosphonates.

In a letter to the editor published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine about the Fosamax esophageal cancer risk, Wysowski wrote:

Crystalline material similar to ground alendronate (Fosamax) tablets has been found on biopsy in patients with erosive esophagitis, and persistent mucosal abnormalities have been noted in some of these patients, suggesting a potential for carcinogenic effects. Physicians should avoid prescribing oral bisphosphonates to patients with Barrett’s esophagus. Studies should include oral bisphosphonates as possible risk factors for esophageal cancer.

FOSAMAX ESOPHAGEAL CANCER LAWSUITS

For nearly three years, the Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of Fosamax users who developed osteonecrosis of the jaw as a side effect of Fosamax.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Jaw Lawsuits

Additional research into the possible risk factors for esophageal cancer as a side effect of Fosamax and other oral bisphosphonates is necessary before it can be determined whether individuals who have been diagnosed with tumors while taking the drug may be entitled to compensation as a result of inadequate warnings.

To have a potential Fosamax lawsuit reviewed by an attorney, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Fosamax (alendronate sodium), which is manufactured by Merck & Co., is a widely prescribed oral osteoporosis drug which has been taken by millions of Americans and generates billions in revenue annually.

Although it has been known for years that the use of intravenous bisphosphonates are associated with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw, Merck has denied that their oral bisphosphonate is directly responsible for any cases.

Hundreds of Fosamax users have reported developing the painful, debilitating and disfiguring jaw side effects, yet Merck has only provided vague and confusing information on the warning label about the risk of ONJ.

The new research, which is published in the January 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association is one of the first studies to investigate the potential Fosamax jaw problems. Dental researchers from the University of Southern California found that 1 in 25 patients followed in the study developed osteonecrosis of the jaw.

While some experts have previously indicated that the Fosamax ONJ side effects are only present after long-term use of the medication for more than three years, the researchers found that even with short term use Fosamax may leave the jaw vulnerable to necrosis or decay.

Fosamax has a very long half-life of 10 years, which led to the researchers identifying side effects in the jaw even with short-term use for as little as one year.

Out of 208 patients followed in the study, 9 were found to develop Fosamax ostenoecrosis of the jaw. All of these individuals had a dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction, which is known to aggravate underlying jaw decay caused by ONJ.

FOSAMAX JAW LAWSUITS

Litigation has been pending against Merck involving Fosamax jaw side effects for nearly three years and the first trials are expected to begin later this year. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to investigate potential new cases for individuals who have taken Fosamax and developed ONJ or symptoms of jaw necrosis, such as:

• Jaw Pain, Gum Infection or Swelling
• Loose Teeth or Tooth Pain
• Exposed Portions of Jaw Bone inside the Mouth

If you, a friend or family member have experienced Fosamax jaw problems, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Fosamax is a popular osteoporosis drug manufactured by Merck & Co. which has been associated with a number of serious and debilitating side effects, including a rare form of jaw damage known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ. The condition is associated with the deterioration or death of the jaw bone, which can result in areas of exposed bone inside the mouth and could lead to surgery to remove portions of the jaw bone.

There currently at least 600 Fosamax jaw lawsuits pending against Merck for individuals who have developed this painful and disfiguring condition. All of the federal cases have been consolidated in an MDL, or Multi-district Litigation, which is centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

The cases are consolidated for purposes of discovery and pretrial litigation. The first “bellwether” cases, which are selected for early trials as cases that are representative of the issues that will be presented throughout the Fosamax litigation, are scheduled to begin next year.

The first Fosamax lawsuit which will go to trial is a case selected by the Plaintiffs Steering Committee, and it is scheduled to begin in August 2009. The next case, which will begin in October 2009, was selected by the Court, and the final case, scheduled for January 2010, was selected by Merck.

FOSAMAX INJURY LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been investigating Fosamax jaw injury lawsuits for over two and a half years, and continue to review new cases throughout the United States.

In addition to jaw damage lawsuits, potential cases are also being investigated for other problems caused by Fosamax side effects, including shoulder necrosis, hip necrosis, knee necrosis and rare femur fractures which have been associated with long-term use of the drug.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered an injury that may have been caused by Fosamax, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Jaw Necrosis Lawsuits

Osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as ONJ, is a rare form of damage to the jawbone, which causes the bone to decay and die. It is associated with jaw infection and portions of the jawbone which may become exposed inside the mouth. The irreversible condition is often set off by dental work or other micro trauma to the jaw, which could cause symptoms to develop.

Once symptoms of jaw necrosis surface, there is no consistently effective treatment, so it is important to take preventative steps to avoid aggravation of the condition. Most dental experts recommend that Fosamax users notify their oral surgeon before having any dental work done, as even common procedures like a tooth extraction could cause the bone tissue of the jaw to fail to heal properly, leading to exposed areas of bone inside the mouth.

Despite the large number of users who have reported suffering this disabling jaw condition while taking Fosamax, Merck continues to provide weak and confusing warnings to users. The only Fosamax warnings about jaw necrosis are buried in the “Precautions” section, under the subheading “Dental”. The Fosamax prescribing information states:

Osteonecrosis of the jaw, generally associated with tooth extraction and/or local infection, often with delayed healing, has been reported in patients taking bisphosphonates. Most reported cases of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis have been in cancer patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates, but some have occurred in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Known risk factors for osteonecrosis include a diagnosis of cancer, concomitant therapies (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, corticosteriods) poor oral hygiene, and co-morbid disorders (e.g. pre-existing dental disease, anemia, coagulopathy, infection).

Patients who develop osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) while on bisphosphonate therapy should receive care by an oral surgeon. Dental surgery may exacerbate the condition. For patients requiring dental procedures, there are no data available to suggest whether discontinuation of bisphosphonate treatment reduces the risk for ONJ. Clinical judgment of the treating physician should guide the management plan of each patient based on individual benefit/risk assessment.

FOSAMAX WARNING LAWYERS

The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential lawsuits for individuals throughout the United States who have developed osteonecrosis of the jaw or other Fosamax side effects. If proper Fosamax warnings had been featured more prominently and contained clear information about the risk of undergoing dental procedures after taking Fosamax, many people could have avoided this devastating condition.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered osteonecrosis of the jaw from Fosamax, or experienced symptoms of the jaw problems, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>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, 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.

>>INFORMATION: Lawsuits over a Fosamax Femur Fracture

The study is published in the May/June 2008 issue of the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma. Researchers performed a retrospective review of 70 low-energy femur fractures which resulted in emergency room treatment between January 2002 and March 2007. The fractures reviewed in the observational study involved injuries typically caused by the impacts of falls from a standing height or less.

Researchers identified a fracture pattern that was 98% specific to users of Fosamax, and the average duration of Fosamax use was longer among those who had the pattern than those who did not. Out of the 70 low-energy femur fractures reviewed, 25 involved users of Fosamax and 76% of the Fosamax femur fractures involved the distinct characteristics identified in the fracture pattern.

While Fosamax is prescribed to treat osteoporosis and reduce the risk of hip fractures and long bone fractures, the mechanism of action, which prevents bone turn-over, could make some users vulnerable to certain types of fractures. In addition to the low-energy femur fractures associated with Fosamax, users have also reported deterioration of the bone in the jaw, hip, knees and shoulders, which can cause permanently disabling injuries.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax Side Effects

FOSAMAX LAWSUITS

The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. currently represent individuals who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), or deterioration of the jaw bone. Potential cases are also being reviewed for individuals who have experienced necrosis of the hip, knee or shoulder as well as low-energy femur fractures or broken bones on Fosamax.

If you, a friend or family member have experienced an injury which could be caused by Fosamax side effects, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

ACTOS AND AVANDIA FRACTURE RISKS

Avandia and Actos are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They are part of a class of medications known as thiazolidinediones, which work by sensitizing the body to insulin. However, researchers indicate that Actos and Avandia side effects also stimulate cells which lead to reabsorbing bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

>>INFORMATION: Avandia Fracture Lawsuits

Researchers compared records for over 1,000 diabetics who had suffered bone fractures between 1994 and 2005, against diabetics who did not have a fracture. The risk of Actos and Avandia fractures were found to be twice as high among individuals who used one of the medications, compared with diabetics who had not taken one of the medications.

The greatest risk was found among diabetics who took the drug for over two years or more, but the odds of a fracture started to increase substantially after 12 to 18 months. The risk of Actos and Avandia fractures was most notable in the hip bones and wrist bones.

FOSAMAX ATRIAL FIBRILLATION SIDE EFFECTS

In another study in the same issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers uncovered additional evidence about a possible connection between Fosamax and atrial fibrillation, which is a type of abnormal heartbeat which can lead to blood clots and strokes. Last year, a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine identified an increased risk of atrial fibrillation among Fosamax users, and the FDA has indicated they will study the risk among patients who took either Fosamax or Reclast.

>>PRIOR POST (5/7/2007): Fosamax Atrial Fribrillation Side Effects

Researchers compared 719 women who had atrial fibrillation to 966 women who did not, and found that users of Fosamax had nearly double the risk of atrial fibrillation. However, there are conflicting studies about the Fosamax risk, as another study reported last month in the British Medical Journal found no association between bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, and atrial fibrillation.

FOSAMAX AND AVANDIA LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. currently represent individuals who are pursuing Fosamax lawsuits and Avandia lawsuits. Claims are being evaluated for users of Avandia who have suffered a severe bone fracture, or heart side effects, such as a heart attack, congestive heart failure or death. For Fosamax, our lawyers are not currently reviewing cases on behalf of users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, but lawsuits are being pursued for individuals diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered as a result of Fosamax or Avandia side effects, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>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, 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.

>>INFORMATION: Fosamax jaw problems

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (also known as jaw death or jaw decay) is a severe form of damage to the jaw bone which is extremely painful and potentially disfiguring.  It is an irreversible condition in which the jaw actually decays and dies.  It is associated with jaw infection and portions of exposed bone inside of the mouth.  In severe cases, surgery is required to remove portions of the jaw bone which have decayed.

The bisphosphonate study was released June 26, 2007 on the website for the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.  Researchers from the University of Texas, Galveston, followed approximately 14,000 patients with cancer-treating bisphophonates over a 6 year period, as well as 28,000 individuals not taking one of the drugs.  The study found that those who received an intravenous bisphosphonate, such as Aredia (pamidronate) or Zometa (zoledronate), underwent facial surgery at a rate 3.2 times that of the control group and faced a risk 11.2 times higher for developing an inflamed jaw bone.

>>INFORMATION: Bisphosphonate side effects

Earlier bisphosphonate research regarding the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw involved much smaller populations and gave rise to a great deal of speculation.  The authors of this study indicated that these findings definitely draw a link between the drugs and an increased risk of the jaw bone disease .  It also indicates that those who receive higher doses of the bisphosphonate drugs are more likely to experience jaw problems.

FOSAMAX AND OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW

Although the study did not specifically follow those who used Fosamax and other oral bisphophonates, the rare jaw condition has been seen in hundreds of individuals who took Fosamax over a long period of time, even if they had no exposure to an intravenous bisphosphonate.

Fosamax was approved in October 1995 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and was the first non-hormonal therapy treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis in the United States.  Fosamax is currently the most prescribed drug for osteoporosis and in 2003 was the 19th most prescribed drug in the U.S., with approximately 20 million users and average annual sales of about $3 billion dollars.

The half life of Fosamax is very long, with half of the medication remaining in the body even after 10 years.  The manufacturer promotes the drug for long term use, which results in dose accumulation over years of taking the medication.  Many believe that the risks associated with Fosamax after long-term use is equally as likely to lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw as the risk associated with intravenous bisphosphonates. 

In July 2005, following a request by the FDA, the warning label for Fosamax was amended to indicate the risk of osteonecrosis associated with bisphosphonates.  However, the manufacturer, Merck, continues to minimize the risk and has failed to adequately warn users and the medical community.

The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are pursuing osteonecrosis of the jaw lawsuits against the manufacturer of the osteoporosis drug.  If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with this permanent and disfiguring jaw decay, request a free consultation.

>>REQUEST A FOSAMAX LAWSUIT EVALUATION<<

>>INFORMATION: Antidepressant side effects

On Monday two new studies were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal  regarding the effect of antidepressants on bone mass among older adults taking antidepressants.  These studies found that the use of SSRI antidepressants is associated with an increased rate of bone loss, which could increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

The studies found a link between the SSRI antidepressants and the functioning of cells associated with bone health.  SSRIs operate by blocking a protein that is found in both the brain and in bone.  This protein works as a conveyer of serotonin, the chemical linked to sleep, mood and depression.  By inhibiting the serotonin protein of the brain, it appears that SSRI antidepressants are also weakening bones. 

While the studies did not specifically look at the risk of fracture, an earlier study published in January 2007 did find that older adults taking antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, face twice the risk of fractures when compared to those taking a placebo. 

>>PRIOR POST 1/24/2007: Antidepressant fractures

As many as 40% of elderly adults are taking an antidepressant and loss of bone density could pose a significant health risk for them.  Balance and equilibrium problems among older adults greatly increase the risk of falls, and a broken bone is much more disabling for older adults who are slower to heal and generally weaker.  Complications which arise from bone fractures could also result in life-altering injuries, or even death in some cases.

Researchers have indicated that further studies are necessary to judge the extent of the problems which antidepressants cause, especially given the benefits antidepressants provide in treating depression in seniors.  Some experts have suggested that seniors taking antidepressants may need to take other bone strengthening drugs, such as Fosomax, to combat the potential bone loss.  However, chasing one drug’s side effects with another medication is never appealing.  Fosamax itself has been linked to jaw problems, with an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

ANTIDEPRESSANT SIDE EFFECT LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential antidepressant lawsuits for users of Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and other SSRI antidepressants for several different side effects which have been associated with the drugs.  The medications are linked to an increased risk of suicides among teens and young adults, birth defects when taken during pregnancy and serotonin syndrome when taking with certain migraine drugs. 

>>RELATED POST 6/28/07: Paxil birth defects study

Our lawyers are closely reviewing the potential impact these drugs have on bone loss and the potential for fractures.  If you, a friend or family member suffered a serious permanent injury as a result of an antidepressant fracture, request a free consultation.