Fosamax | Bone Diseases
Alendronate
(Fosamax®, Merck)
is a widely-prescribed bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis
and other bone
diseases. The drug has been a top-seller for Merck
for over a decade, earning the company billions of dollars
each year.
In September of 2004, the Journal
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons issued a report
which led to dramatic health care warnings by both the
US Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and Fosamax'
manufacturer, Merck. The report warned of a dangerous
connection between alendronate
and osteonecrosis
of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw."
ONJ is a devastating bone disease that affects both
the mandible
and maxilla jaw bones – causing both decay
and death of the bone matter. Victims of ONJ have necrotic
bone or bone
marrow that has been starved by low blood flow.
Even in mild forms, ONJ can create a bone marrow environment
that's extremely conducive to bacterial growth
– worsening the effects of the disease.
One such case is David Tundell, a 61-year-old former
aircraft maintenance officer in the Air
Force and a plaintiff in a Fosamax lawsuit in Florida.
Tundell took Fosamax for just one year to help with
the osteoporosis in his hips. However, he alleges that
his Fosamax use led him to a 3-day hospitalization last
year when his jaw swelled so severely he could no longer
eat. Doctors were forced to remove all of his teeth
and shave part of his jaw to remove the dead bone.
Unfortunately, these stories are becoming more and
more common, as are the lawsuits.
The most common side-effects of alendronate are:
• Mild heartburn or stomach upset
• Diarrhea, gas or constipation
• Mild joint or back pain
• Headache
Less common, but more severe side-effects are listed
as:
• Chest pain
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Pain or burning under the ribs or in the back
• New or worsening heartburn
• Severe joint, bone or muscle pain
• Jaw pain, numbness or swelling
Signs of possible ONJ are are:
• Pain, swelling or infection of the gums
• Loosening of teeth
• Poor Healing of the gums
• Numbness or the feeling of heaviness in the jaw
• Partial or complete loss of the jaw bone
If you believe your Fosamax use has put you or a loved
one in danger, please fill out our Case Review Contact
Form to the right on this page to find out what your
case is worth.
