Jaw Disease is Not the Only Fosamax Side Effect of Concern; Fosamax Femur Fractures Now Gain Attention

Prescription drug manufacturers typically are required to disclose their product’s side effects. Merck & Co., which produces and sells Fosamax to treat bone loss and other problems associated with osteoporosis, has long told Fosamax users that Fosamax side effects include problems ranging from cramping and diarrhea to headaches and skin rashes.

Several years ago, patients complaining to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) about Fosamax side effects led the FDA to require Merck to revise the Fosamax side effects warning. The revised warning includes “jaw deterioration,” known as osteonecrosis of the jaw or “ONJ.”

The Fosamax side effect known as ONJ can result in potentially permanent jaw death. The symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw include:

• Gum infections
• Jaw discomfort and pain
• Jaw numbness
• Loose teeth

Patients using Fosamax who believe that they have suffered the ONJ Fosamax side effect have brought numerous lawsuits against Merck to recover for their damages and injuries.

Fosamax Side Effects: Femur Fractures

More recently, the FDA acted after another very serious Fosamax side effect came to its attention. In October 2010, the FDA issued a femur fracture warning for Fosamax. This Fosamax side effect warning informed patients and health care providers about the possible risk of atypical thigh bone (femur) fractures in patients who take bisphosphonates such as Fosamax.

Femur fractures are serious thigh bone fractures that have been reported in women who have take
Fosamax for five years or more.
As a result of the FDA’s October decision, the patient guide for Fosamax and a related product, Fosamax Plus D, as well as for other bisphosphonates now must reflect this femur fracture warning.

The warning should not be sufficient to insulate Merck from responsibility for Fosamax-related femur fractures. In fact, several lawsuits already seeking damages from Merck for Fosamax femur fractures have already been filed.

Fosamax Femur Fracture Lawsuits

If you or a loved one have take
Fosamax and have suffered a femur fracture, contact us today for a free evaluation of your potential claim.