Fosomax, manufactured by Merck is an oral medication used in patients for the treatment of osteoporosis. The bone disease osteoporosis generates a loss in bone density that causes bone to become brittle and fracture easily. The FDA approved Fosomax in 1995 to reverse or prevent bone loss. Mercks patent ran out in 2008 and the FDA approved the sale of the generic version known as alendronate. Fosomax and alendronate belong to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that work by killing osteoclasts, which are bone cells that are responsible for the break down of bone. Fosomax is meant to restore bone balance thereby strengthening bone and decreasing the risk of bone fracture in patients with osteoporosis. The FDA has received a number of reports from patients suffering from rare and unexplained femur fractures while taking Fosomax.
Studies Link Femur Fractures to Fosomax:
A study published in 2008 in the Journal of Orthopedic Trauma observed a pattern of femur fractures among patients using Fosomax that was almost 100% linked to this drug. These fractures of the femur were low-trauma fractures that occurred when falling from a standing position or falling out of a chair. These researchers also noted that the longer the patient was on Fosomax therapy, the greater the potential for a Fosomax femur fracture.
A case study in 2009 published in the journal of Bone and Mineral Research reported on a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who had developed what looked like a Fosomax femur fracture as well. This individual had been taking Fosomax for eight years.
On March 10, 2010, Dr. Richard Besser presented what the FDA had to say about osteoporotic drugs like Fosomax (including Boniva, Actonel, and Reclast) on ABC News. Bresser reported that the FDA wants physicians to watch for possible femur fractures as a first step to provide information for the FDA to determine if a link between Fosomax and femur fracture exists.
Due to Fosomax related fractures, Merck is faced with a number of personal injury lawsuits filed by patients who have taken Fosomax therapy. If you have experienced a femur fracture or any other osteonecrotic related problem while on Fosomax, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Fosomax lawsuits are currently being filed across the country.
by: Susan Ardizzoni
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