Consumerinjurylawyers:fosamax Side Effects

By Author: Susan Ardizzoni
Total Articles: 62
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Recent studies have linked Fosamax, a drug used to treat bone diseases like osteoporosis and Paget's disease, to fractures of the femur and other series conditions. Although the drug is intended to curtail the bone mass loss which many of these diseases cause, research has shown that there are other unintended, even dangerous, Fosamax side effects.

Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug that was approved for use in osteoporosis treatment by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) in 1995. The drug is intended to strengthen bones by counteracting the bone mass loss caused by bone diseases. Fosamax does this by stopping the body from clearing out the cells of the bone that need to be replaced. This leads to such Fosamax effects as brittle bones and the lessened ability of the bone to self-repair. Together, these effects lead to a number of serious conditions.

One of the Fosamax side effects recently in the news is low-impact femur fractures. Numerous medical journals in the last few years have published the results of studies which point to a direct link between these injuries, generally resulting from falls from standing ...
... height or lower, and the drug. As a result, many lawsuits are currently underway against the manufacturer of the drug, Merck. These cases all include allegations that Merck failed to conduct sufficient research into and warn of Fosamax side effects.

Fosamax Jaw Injuries

Due to the possible Fosamax side effects, the FDA has issued numerous warnings regarding the drug. A warning was released in 2004, which warned patients of the potential risk of Fosamax jaw injuries This serious condition is irreversible and can lead to infections, breakdown of the jaw, oral ulcerations, or osteomyelitis, which is the inflammation of bone marrow. In another warning, in 2008, the FDA notified consumers of other Fosamax side effects, including very severe bone, joint, or muscle pain in those who have taken any sort of bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax. This Fosamax side effect may not occur for days, months, or even years after beginning to take the drug. Later in 2008, yet another Fosamax warning was released, stating that studies have linked the drug to an increased risk of serious atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats irregularly, in women.

Other Fosamax side effects include:
Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Obstipation (severe constipation)
Skin rash
Problems with eyes

Anyone who takes or has taken Fosamax and displays any of these symptoms, especially any related to the more serious conditions mentioned, such as Fosamax jaw injuries, should contact a medical professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, more serious conditions could develop. In the case of ONJ, there is the possibility of bone tissue death and joint collapse within the jaw.

Fosamax Lawyers

If you or a loved have suffered a femur fracture or another bone-related ailment while taking Fosamax, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Hundreds of Fosamax lawsuits are being filed around the country.

Author Bio.

Susan Ardizzoni, Ph.D. holds a Doctorate in Biology with a major in Neuroscience (medical) and minors in Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics with experience in basic and clinical research. Although the author is not an attorney, this article was sponsored by the law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP and constitutes Attorney Advertising. To learn more about Fosamax side effects or working with a Fosamax jaw please visit www.ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com