Fosamax litigation Suits Grow In Numbers
A person who has taken Fosamax and has suffered serious, debilitating, or painful side effects may consider joining a class action lawsuit or filing a Fosamax litigation suit. While every case is individual and everyone’s circumstances are different, it is important that the use of Fosamax as well as the particular adverse side effects be documented so that the case can be pursued.
If you suffered severe Fosamax femur fracture, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Fosamax can cause a variety of adverse side effects, some of which can be considered common and minor. Included in these are upset stomach, heartburn, sore throat and indigestion. Physicians very frequently treat these symptomatically. Fosamax can also cause gastro esophageal reflux if the patient does not follow instructions carefully as to dosing. The directions on this part of the Fosamax routine are very complete. Fosamax may also increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer in some patients. To date there are no formal records of Fosamax litigation suits filed over a patient developing esophageal cancer.
Fosamax femur fractures appear to occur in women who have taken Fosamax over a period greater than five years. While Fosamax was designed to strengthen bones and reduce the incidence of fractures it appears to do the exact opposite in some women who continue using the drug for an extended period of time. There have been Fosamax litigation suits filed over the femur fractures and there is a significant body of evidence that points to the fact that these fractures were directly related to taking Fosomax.
Fosomax also has been directly linked to the development of a rare bone disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). This results in pain, loss of bone, loss of teeth and sometimes disfigurement. Initially the drug company Merck denied that Fosomax was related to ONJ and they mentioned that perhaps people with osteoporosis were simply more inclined to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw. However, they have lost at least one Fosomax litigation suit where the plaintiff claimed to have been disfigured and disabled by ONJ which was a direct result of taking Fosamax. A jury felt the case compelling enough to give the 72 year old woman a multimillion dollar settlement declaring the drug to be poorly designed and dangerous.
While almost everyone cheers at the one woman injured by a drug taking on a big drug company and winning, Fosamax litigation is not a quick matter resolved overnight. These types of cases are benchmarks, require expert witnesses, and take months if not years to get through the system. The drug companies have a lot to lose if they consistently lose these lawsuits and are found to have released a dangerously designed drug with disregard to safety.
Probably the best course for anyone who feels they have been harmed by the drug Fosamax is to contact a competent Fosamax litigation attorney or firm. Firms that specialize in personal injury cases related to drugs are relatively easy to find and the plaintiff may find the results are more consistently in their favor when choosing personal injury attorneys who have experience in the field of consumer drug related injury.
Fosamax Problems May Grow Greater Than the Condition It Was Designed To Remedy
Osteoporosis is estimated to affect over half of the population in the U.S. over age 65. The condition can cause repeated low stress fractures and severe bone pain. Fosamax is a drug that was created to help this problem and has been effective in helping restore bone mass to many. However there are many Fosamax problems as well as some unexpected and in the beginning, undocumented adverse side effects for people using this drug.
If you suffered severe Fosamax femur fracture, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
While the drug manufacturers have tried to provide complete instructions to help minimizeFosamax problems there have been multiple instances of new and unsuspected issues arising from the use of Fosamax over the years since its approval. Fosamax has been a money maker for the drug companies manufacturing it because osteoporosis is a condition that is so wide spread. Unfortunately some of the Fosamax problems have been so severe that Fosamax lawsuits are growing by leaps and bounds.
While it was understood in the beginning that Fosamax was of the family of bisphosphonates which can cause gastro esophageal problems, the companies provided some elaborate documentation and dosing instructions to help avoid the worst. Included were instructions that Fosamax had to be taken on an empty stomach, the patient must remain up for the next 30 minutes and must fast only being allowed 6 to 8 oz of water maximum. This was in order to help the absorption of the medication and to avoid reflux and possible esophageal reflux.
Patients using Fosamax complained of upset stomach, indigestion, reflux and even constipation however were not usually removed from the drug and the symptoms were treated as they were considered minor beside the risk of further bone loss.
Unfortunately among the list of Fosamax problems was a study by the FDA and subsequent warning that indicated taking bisphosphonates such as Fosamax could increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
The Fosamax problems did not end there though. Fosamax has been linked to a risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. This Fosamax problem was denied by the company until a lawsuit in March of 2010 was lost to the tune of 8 million dollars. The jury ruled against Merck and declared Fosamax was the direct cause of a painful and disfiguring condition of the jaw suffered by a 72 year old woman.
While every drug has certain potential adverse side effects, Fosamax problems seem to grow yearly. Recently long term use of the drug Fosamax was linked to low impact femur fractures. The femur is one of the strongest bones of the body and normally it would require great force to break. However a rash of women taking Fosamax experienced low impact or stress femur fractures.
The theory, and as yet it is only theory, is that Fosamax appeared to be turning off not only the cells responsible for absorbing bone (which is what it was designed to do) but those responsible for growing bone. This led to a very thick bone which was extremely brittle. No one knows why both of these cell types were turned off instead of just the one responsible for re-absorbing bone. This led to a number of Fosamax fracture lawsuits which have yet to be heard.
Fosamax Warning Literature Adds Up
The newest Fosamax warning added yet another adverse side effect to its ever growing list of serious side effects. On page 13 of a 22 page piece of literature containing warnings and contraindications as well as general drug information a single line about “atypical femur fractures” being possible with long term use of the drug was the newest warning.
Fosamax is used to treat low bone density from osteoporosis in women and men and can help prevent painful fractures by strengthening the bone. Fosamax belongs to a family of drugs called bisphosphonates. This drug can be taken orally or intravenously.
If you suffered severe Fosamax side effects, you should contact a Fosamax lawyer as soon as possible.
Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax can have some very adverse gastro esophageal side effects and the Fosamax warning label includes instructions on how to take the drug to maximize its effectiveness and minimize some of the potential adverse effects such as gastro esophageal reflux. However in 2008 the FDA released a report that indicated that bisphosphonates such as Fosamax increased the chances of developing esophageal cancer which meant yet another Fosamax warning.
Fosamax has been linked with the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), also known as jaw death and jaw rot. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can cause deterioration of the jaw bone, and disfigurement and pain in extreme cases. Fosamax related ONJ has been the subject of multiple lawsuits which have just begun to be heard. ONJ was believed to be a difficult case to prove but because so very few things can cause Osteonecrosis of the jaw at least one jury has felt that it was Fosamax related, many other cases are expected to be heard regarding Fosamax related ONJ injuries.
Fosamax has also been linked to atypical fractures of the femur in women who have taken the drug over five years. While the drug is designed to strengthen the bones and build them up, there have been cases where women have experienced low stress fractures of the strongest bone in the body, the femur. There has been some criticism over the fact that the Fosamax warning concerning these fractures was one line buried deep in the literature. Very rarely Fosamax might lead to a skin disorder called Steven – Johnson syndrome.
Almost every drug has potential adverse side effects. Some are more serious side effects than others and the most serious can be disfiguring, painful and even life threatening. However, drugs such as Fosamax also perform a great service. Given to the right target group Fosamax improve the quality of life for individuals with osteoporosis who might otherwise suffer repeated fractures due to brittle bones. On the other hand, some individuals have suffered serious, painful or disfiguring injuries due to Fosamax side effects.
One heartening fact is that the incidence of these severe adverse side effects seems relatively low. Individuals who believe they are at risk for any of these problems should discuss the situation thoroughly with their health care provider to reassess if the drug is appropriate for them and discuss possible alternative therapies. Fosamax may be essential for a higher quality of life for some people and only the patient and their health care provider can make a determination if that is the case.
Fosamax Femur Fractures – The Bone Building Drug May Cause Breaks
Fosamax is a valuable drug used in the treatment of osteoporosis in women and men. It is also given in some cases to cancer patients who have cancer in the bones. It is an incredibly effective drug in some cases and can help strengthen the bones and prevent fractures due to brittle bones. However it also may have some very serious side effects such as osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) and possibly atypical femur fractures which are coming to be referred to as Fosamax femur fractures. If you suffered severe Fosamax side effects, you should contact a Fosamax lawyer as soon as possible.
In the beginning when the issues with Fosamax femur fractures were beginning to come to light Merck denied any connection between these atypical low stress fractures and the bone strengthening drug Fosamax. The question arises as to how a drug which is supposed to help strengthen bones and prevent fractures can be causing them.
Some factors appear to be common between those women reporting atypical femur fractures and one of the most telling is that they appear to have all been taking Fosamax for a period in excess of five years.
Fosamax ideally works by turning off the osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for reabsorbing the bones. While the osteoclasts are turned off the osteoblasts are supposed to stay hard at work making more bone, thus helping to reverse bone loss. However, Dr. Bunning a rheumatologist at NRH hospital in Washington D.C. says that in biopsies of patients who have had these atypical Fosamax femur fractures both types of cells have shut down. Bone is neither being reabsorbed nor is it being made. He further states this may lead to a frozen bone situation, one where the bone is very dense but brittle and easily broken.
It is possible that thigh pain may precede this condition and the Fosamax femur fractures by as much as a year. While no one is denying the utility of Fosamax in a certain group of high risk patients, there is evidence to suggest that very long term use of Fosamax may increase the risk of Fosamax femur fractures. An additional warning was added to the Fosamax literature stating there was a potential for atypical low stress femur fractures. However, prior to the warning being added, neither patients nor physicians had any idea this was a potential side effect.
While no one is at yet demanding that Fosamax be removed from the market, experts are suggesting that the risks of long term use should be evaluated by the patient in conjunction with their doctors. Most experts emphasize the value of the drug to individuals who have had multiple hip fractures and who are at risk for more. There is some debate though as to whether use of the drug should be continued over 5 years and there have been some Fosamax femur fractures lawsuits initiated since the problem came to light. Every patient will have different concerns but as with any drug no patient should discontinue use of any drug without the advice and direction of their health care provider.
The Fosamax Class Action Lawsuit Is This a Déjà vu Of Vioxx?
If you suffered severe Fosamax side effects, you should pursue a <a href=”http://www.fosamaxsideeffectslawsuit.com/”>Fosamax lawsuit</a> as soon as possible. Fosamax is also known as (alendronate sodium) is a drug used to treat osteoporosis in both men and women, cancer patients where the cancer has spread to the bone and causes pain and other diseases of the bone. This drug works by slowing the bone resorption cycle and can help reduce bone loss in post menopausal women. The potential side effects of Fosamax appear to be greater than the labeling indicated and now the Fosamax class action lawsuit has moved from the realm of rumors and “might happen” into a reality and may be the next Vioxx for Merck.
Merck made over 5 billion per year on Vioxx and makes over 3.2 billion per year on Fosamax. While Vioxx suits were somewhat easier to prove and involved death, the Fosamax class action lawsuit attorneys are using a process of elimination. Two serious side effects are named in the current Fosamax lawsuits. The first is ONJ which means osteonecrosis of the jaw. The second side effect is serious fractures of the femur.
A jury in southern New York found that the drug Fosamax was unreasonably dangerous and defectively designed. The case was a 72 year old woman from Florida who suffered from osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). The jury ruled that the drug Fosamax caused her disfiguring condition. The woman was awarded 8 million dollars in damages. This landmark suit may point how the wind is blowing for Merck as it was believed that it might be more difficult to prove that the condition ONJ was directly the result of taking Fosamax. However, very few things can cause this condition and the attorneys had chosen a case where those risk factors were not present and this was an individual suit and not a Fosamax class action lawsuit.
Fosamax class action lawsuit may be the answer for individuals who have suffered from ONJ or fractures of the femur, or other adverse side effects due to Fosamax. It is important for patients who have taken Fosamax and believe their femur fractures or ONJ was caused by Fosamax contact a qualified attorney able to help evaluate their case.
While the woman in New York awarded 8 million dollars in damages from Merck due to ONJ caused by Fosamax was not part of a Fosamax class action lawsuit, she was one of the first test cases. Damages of greater or lesser amounts may be awarded to plaintiffs in other Fosamax class action lawsuits.
There is no sure way to know if a person who feels they have been injured by taking a drug has a viable lawsuit until they speak to well qualified attorneys. The matter of Fosamax femur fractures has yet to be fully tested in a Fosamax class action lawsuit or individual lawsuit. The degree of injury sustained the clarity with which the injury or illness can be shown to be caused by the drug and the experience of the legal team may have a large impact on the outcome of the lawsuit. Whether to pursue a class action lawsuit or an individual lawsuit may be a matter left in the hands of qualified attorneys.
Serious and Disfiguring Fosamax Side Effects Possible From Taking the Drug
If you suffered severe Fosamax side effects, you should pursue a Fosamax lawsuit as soon as possible.Fosamax is a bisophosphonate drug known as Alendronic acid or alendronate sodium and commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Fosamax may also be administered to cancer patients to help reduce bone loss caused by cancer that has spread to the bones. The conditions that Fosamax is designed to treat are serious and the drug has been shown to treat them efficiently but Fosamax side effects can be very serious and potentially disfiguring as well.
Osteoporosis is a serious condition where bone density has been sufficiently reduced in a patient that fractures can occur at the slightest provocation. Fosamax was designed to inhibit bone resorption and reduce fractures related to low bone density. Clinical studies showed an incidence of 50% fewer fractures of vertebrae and joints in women using Fosamax as opposed to the control group taking a placebo. In addition, there was a normalization of bone density in many of the test group.
However, listed among the common Fosamax side effects is the possibility of esophageal irritation and instructions included in medication dosing are designed to avoid undue irritation of the esophageal lining. Fosamax dosing is to take place on an empty stomach with no more than 8 to 12 oz of water and the patient should remain sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes after the dosing. While those precautions did seem to help avoid the worst of those Fosamax side effects there were other side effects that were listed as rare and for which there seemed to be no work around.
Fosamax has recently been linked to an increase incidence of low impact Femur fractures. This was not listed as one of the Fosamax side effects when the drug was first released and many patients were uninformed of even the possibility. There have been lawsuits filed against Merck because of these hitherto unknown Fosamax side effects.
Additionally osteonecrosis of the jaw is listed as one of the rare Fosamax effects. However this rare side effect has been reported on patients of varying doses of Fosamax. Patients receiving Fosamax intravenously may have a higher occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw than those taking oral doses. It is suggested that this may be related to the fact that oral doses are far less efficient and more of the drug is available when administered intravenously. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be disabling and disfiguring in severe cases.
Fosamax has a very long life when it binds to the bone. The half-life of this drug can be as long as 10 years. What this indicates according to some studies is that long term use of Fosamax may be unnecessary. The Journal of American Medical Association recently published an article indicating that once results had been achieved Fosamax might be discontinued for up to 5 years without increased risks of fractures. Fosamax might be an important part of treatment for some people; however, they should be fully informed of the risks as well as informed that it is possible to discontinue the drug’s use under doctor’s direction after the osteoporosis has been reversed.
