According to a study found in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, patients who developed femur fractures linked to their use of bisphosphonates, including Fosamax, tend to experience pain before the actual fracture happens, a delay in healing, and the ongoing risk of a another fracture. This is just one more reminder of the serious side effects that can come from taking Fosamax, which is made by Merck.
The study’s authors, who include Dr. Jennifer Schneider, a physician who experienced a spontaneous thigh bone break while riding mass transit and had taken Fosamax, surveyed 81 people who belonged to an online Fosamax support group. The average participant had been taking bisphosphonates for 9.5 years, with more than half of them taking the medication to prevent bone breaks. Among the findings from their anonymously turned in medical data:
• 94% of participants had used only Fosamax and no other bisphosphonate.
• 77% experienced prodromal pain. 16% of this part of the group was diagnosed with incident stress fractures. 39% would go on to develop a contralateral fracture, which is a fracture on the other leg.
• 35% also sustained foot bone (metatarsal) fractures.
• Out of 71 participants, 38% experienced a delay in healing of their fractures. 22% had to get “prophylactic rodding” as a prevention measure for contralateral breaks.
• 44% of 71 participants kept taking bisphosphonates even after suffering a break.
Fosamax Lawsuits
This bone strengthening drug has gotten a lot of heat in recent years over reports by patients that Fosamax is instead causing fractures and other bone injuries. At Altman & Altman, LLP we are very familiar with Fosamax injuries and this bisphosphonate, and we would be happy to provide you with a free case evaluation. Our drug injury law firm represents clients throughout the US.
Most bisphosphonates are used to treat bone disorders, so that they cause bone breaks and other serious side effects, including osteocronosis of the jaw, is horribly unacceptable. Bisphosphonates have also been prescribed to treat Paget’s Disease and cancer.
Osteocronosis of the Jaw
As we just mentioned, Fosamax has also been linked to ONJ, which also known as jawbone death. This involves the death of tissue in the jaw area that has been traumatized. Now, there are reports of the existence of internal documents from drug manufacturer Merck, as well as emails, from the early 20’s showing that the company has known about the possible link between Fosamax and ONJ for some time. This serious side effect can be difficult to treat and may cause disfigurement.
With thousands of Fosamax lawsuits pending in the US, it is important that you are represented by a drug defect law firm that knows how to get your case heard and has the resources, experience, and knowledge to fight for your recovery.
Patient With Drug Side Effect May Be a “Hog” Say Newly Released Merck Emails, OpedNews, December 2, 2012
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
More Blog Posts:
Novartis Ordered to Pay $10.45M Drug Injury Award to Woman Who Developed Jawbone Damage After Taking Zometa, Drug Injury, November 7, 2012
Fosamax Lawsuit: Merck and Estate of Woman Who Suffered from Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Reach Confidential Damage Award Agreement, Drug Injury Lawyers Blog, October 17, 2012
New FDA Report Suggests Exercising Caution About Using Fosamax Long-Term, Boston Injury Lawyer Blog, May 11, 2012