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Fosamax Side Effects
Fosamax is a prescription drug used to treat the bone loss and weakness associated with osteoporosis and other bone diseases. While Fosamax
has been clinically proven to increase patients' bone mineral density and decrease their incidence of fractures, it has also been proven to cause a number of serious side effects.
In fact, the large number of patient complaints about Fosamax from 2000 to 2004 triggered an extensive FDA (Food and Drug Administration) review of the medication. After this review, the FDA mandated that Merck include a revised Fosamax warning highlighting the drug’s possible side effects.
Fosamax side effects may include:
- constipation and/or gas
- cramping
- diarrhea
- headaches
- stomach, intestinal or esophageal ulcers
- skin rashes
- general joint, muscle and/or bone pain
- eye problems
- atrial fibrillation
- jaw deterioration (medically known as osteonecrosis of the jaw)
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Related Pages: Dangerous Drug Alert: Other Fosamax News: |
Of these possible complications, the last two – atrial fibrillation and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) – are the most serious.
Fosamax and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)
ONJ is a potentially permanent and disfiguring bone condition in which lack of blood flow causes the jawbones (the maxilla and the mandible) to deteriorate. Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw can include:
- increased infection of the gums
- inflammation
- jaw discomfort and pain
- numbness
- loose teeth
Fosamax and Atrial Fibrillation
Fosamax has most recently been linked to an increased risk of a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, particularly in women. Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart beat up to eight times faster than they should.
Fosamax side effects are more likely to develop in patients:
- with a history of dental problems
- with a history of cancer or chemotherapy treatments
- with a history of kidney (renal) disease· with a history of stomach or esophageal ulcers
- who also take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Fosamax Lawsuits
Because taking Fosamax can cause a variety of severe, potentially permanent health problems, many afflicted patients have sought compensation by filing personal injury Fosamax lawsuits. With the first class action Fosamax lawsuit set for the end of 2008, more patients are likely to follow suit, as they seek compensation for Fosamax-related personal injuries.
If you or a loved one has taken Fosamax and suffered a serious side effect, contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
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Fosamax Quick Reference GuideOther Names:
Boniva
Actonel
Aredia
Zometa
Date Approved:
1995
Manufacturer:
Merck
Status:
Black Box Warning
Approved Uses:
Osteoporosis
Off-Label Uses:
Paget's diseaseOsteopenia
Serious Side Effects:
Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ)Atrial fibrillation
Chest pain
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Pain or burning under the ribs or in the back
New or worsening heartburn
Severe joint, bone, or muscle pain
Jaw pain, numbness, or swelling
Common Misspellings:
FasomaxFasamax
Fosomax
Fosimax
Fasimax
Related Topics:
BisphosphonatesOsteonecrosis
Osteoporosis
Dead Jaw