Fosamax Side Effects: Jaw Necrosis
Osteonecrosis of the jaw, which involves the permanent deterioration of the jawbone, could be caused by Fosamax side effects. >>REQUEST A FREE CLAIM EVALUATION
Fosamax was approved in 1995 for treatment of osteoporosis and Paget’s disease of the bone. A reported side effect of Fosamax is jaw necrosis, a painful and potentially disfiguring condition where the jaw bone deteriorates and dies. Complications may result in jaw infections and exposed bone inside the mouth.
The jaw necrosis caused by Fosamax, also known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, ONJ, dead jaw or bis-phossy jaw, could result in permanent decay of the jaw bone. Stopping the drug does not reverse the jaw damage and there is no easy or effective treatment for ONJ .
Studies have also suggested that Fosamax could lead to the decay and death of other bones in the hip, knees or shoulder. The drug works by preventing bone turnover to reduce the risk of fractures. However, the side effects could prevent blood flow to the bones, resulting in a gradual decay or death of the bones over time.
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent individuals who have suffered symptoms of jaw problems, or been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteonecrosis of the hip or osteonecrosis of the shoulder which may be related to Fosamax side effects. Request a free consultation to determine if jaw problems may be related to Fosamax.
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The risk of experiencing this jaw related Fosamax side effect is increased the longer the medication is used. Many users are prescribed the osteoporosis drug for long periods of time, since the Merck, the manufacturer claims that users must continue to take Fosamax to reduce the risk of fractures. As a result, over the past five years there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Symptoms of Fosamax jaw side effects could include:
- jaw pain, gum infection or swelling
- loose teeth or tooth pain
- exposed portions of the jaw bone inside the mouth
MERCK FAILED TO WARN OF THE SIDE EFFECTS FROM FOSAMAX
Legal claims are being pursued against Merck because they knew about the serious side effects of Fosamax bone necrosis, but failed to warn patients and dentists of the dangers. Had the side effects of Fosamax been known, dentists could have been aware that patients on Fosamax presented an increased risk of jawbone deterioration, and preventative actions could have been taken to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Fosamax is an oral bisphophonate medication. The link between jaw deterioration and the class of drugs known as bisphosphonates became known about five years ago. Although this information was known, Merck failed to warn patient patients and dentists about the dangers and side effects of Fosomax.
AVOIDING THE RISK OF FOSAMAX SIDE EFFECTS BEFORE DENTAL WORK
There is no effective treatment for jaw osteonecrosis. The best way to minimize the risk of this side effect of Fosamax is to avoid dental work while taking the medication which could aggravate the jawbone. It is important to notify your dentist and oral surgeon that you have been taking Fosamax before any dental work is done.
To avoid Fosamax dental problems, the following recommendations have been suggested by experts:
- see a dentist regularly and inform them that you are taking Fosamax
- perform self cleanings and learn about preventative dental care
- when problems develop, a dentist should do everything possible to save the teeth and avoid tooth extractions
FREE CONSULTATION FOR FOSAMAX SIDE EFFECT LAWSUIT CLAIMS
If you or a family member have taken Fosamax and suffered symptoms of jaw decay or been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw, osteonecrosis of the hip, osteonecrosis of the knee or osteonecrosis of the shoulder, request a free consultation to review your legal rights. We are currently investigating Fosamax lawsuit claims against the drug manufacturer for failing to warn patients about the known side effects of Fosamax bone necrosis. You and your family may be entitled to compensation for this painful condition which could have been prevented.
