Long-term use of Fosamax may cause osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as jaw necrosis, which involves the decay and death of the jaw bone. This may leave users with open areas of bone inside their mouth, and could require surgery to remove portions of the jaw.

Please note that the lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are no longer taking on new cases involving Fosamax. The content on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

The Fosamax lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have represented individuals throughout the United States who have experienced serious and potentially debilitating jaw problems caused by the popular osteoporosis medication. Potential lawsuits were also being reviewed for individuals who have experienced:

New cases are no longer being accepted by Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. This page is maintained for informational purposes only.

OSTEONECROSIS OF THE JAW LAWSUITS

Studies have shown that the long term use of Fosamax can increase the risk of a serious side effect in the jawbone, osteonecrosis of the jaw

This condition is painful and potentially disfiguring. In many cases it leads to surgery to remove exposed portions of the jaw bone inside the mouth.

Symptoms could include:

  • severe jaw pain
  • loose teeth or toothache
  • poor healing of gums or infection
  • exposed areas of jaw bone inside the mouth
  • severe pain in the hip, knee or shoulder

Additional studies have suggested that Fosamax Side Effects may not only impact the jaw, but could also lead to decay and deterioration of bone in the hip, knee and shoulders after prolonged use. Osteonecrosis of the hip, knee or shoulder causes debilitating pain and restricts movement.

LAWSUITS FOR FAILURE TO WARN OF FOSAMAX JAW DANGERS

Merck has known that Fosamax side effects could increase the risk of jaw necrosis and other bone decay.  However, they failed to warn patients and dentists and have attempted to minimize the risk associated with their medication.  Had the side effects of Fosamax been known, dentists would have been more aware that patients on Fosamax present an increased risk of jawbone death, and preventative actions could have been taken to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.

In the claims our Fosamax lawyers are pursuing against Merck, it is being alleged that Merck:

  • produced and marketed Fosamax knowing that it causes an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw
  • placed Fosamax on the market without adequate warning that the drug increased the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw
  • concealed its knowledge of the unreasonable risk from patients and the medical community
  • proposed further uses for Fosamax and attempted to extend its period of exclusive right to sell the medication, rather than studying the safety of Fosamax
  • continues to fail to properly warn of the risks of osteonecrosis of the jaw following the use of Fosamax, and instead attempts to minimize the risks, leading to further confusion and misinformation for patients and the medical community
  • continues to promote the use of Fosamax despite FDA warnings of the dangers of osteonecrosis of the shoulder, jaw, knee and hip

MERCK PURSUED PROFITS AT THE EXPENSE OF USER’S HEALTH

When Merck became aware of the risks associated with bisphosphonate medications, such as Fosamax, they attempted to protect their profits instead of protecting the health of the patients taking the osteoporosis medication.

Fosamax is Merck’s second-best selling product. It is believed that when they first learned of the risk, Merck wasa being especially protective of Fosamax since they were facing over 30,000 lawsuits from patients who were injured by their dangerous pain medication, Vioxx.  Vioxx accounted for approximately $3 billion dollars in lost sales when it was removed from the market in September 2004.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw symptoms are associated with severe pain and permanent damage to the jawbone. The condition has a devastating impact on the the quality of life for those who suffer the jaw decay.  With proper warnings and preventative actions, the impact of jaw bone deterioration could have be minimized.  However, Merck continually places their profits above the health of their patients.

FOSAMAX CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk were investigating and reviewing potential Fosamax lawsuits for individuals who suffered jaw problems and other forms of bone decay as a side effect of the osteoporosis drug. Fosamax class action lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of several groups.

If you, a friend or family member have taken Fosamax and experienced symptoms of jaw death or been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw, hip, shoulder or knee, request a free consultation.  Our lawyers are currently investigating Fosamax lawsuit against the drug manufacturer for failing to warn patients about the bone decay side effects.  You and your family may be entitled to compensation for this painful condition which could have been prevented.

New cases are no longer being accepted by Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. This page is maintained for informational purposes only.