Side Effects of Fosamax

Fosamax Side Effects

Fosamax is a prescription drug used to treat the bone loss and weakness associated with osteoporosis and other bone diseases.  However, studies have shown that long-term use puts patients at an increased risk for developing Fosamax side effects, including osteonecrosis of the jaw (“ONJ”), femur fractures and heart conditions.  Because the side effects of Fosamax are so severe, thousands of Fosamax users have filed lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer.  The lawyers at Bernstein Liebhard LLP are currently investigating and filing lawsuits on behalf of individuals who suffered atypical femur fractures, one of the many side effects Fosamax is known to cause.

A large number of patient complaints about the side effects of Fosamax from 2000 to 2004 triggered an extensive safety review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”).  This safety review is still ongoing.  Since the FDA began to investigate the side effects of Fosamax, a series of safety communications, warnings and mandated label changes have been issued.  Fosamax side effects 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)
• atypical femur fractures

Of these possible complications and side effects Fosamax is known to cause, the last two – osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and femur fractures – are the most serious.

Side Effects Of Fosamax Include Femur Fractures

The side effects of Fosamax have been the subject of numerous studies published in medical journals since 2004.  Although early studies failed to establish a strong causal link between femur fractures and Fosamax use, lately an increasing number of individuals in the medical community have started to reject earlier sentiments and have begun to reexamine Fosamax side effects, especially in regards to femur fractures.  Researchers have been able to identify several control factors used in earlier studies that led to flawed findings regarding the side effects of Fosamax.  The defects identified in previous studies include failing to:  review x-rays; recognize the fractures as atypical; observe the side effects of Fosamax in women who took the drug for a prolonged period of time; and administer the Fosamax dosage normally prescribed to osteoporotic women.  These new findings have forced regulatory agencies to revisit this issue.  Prompted by new findings on Fosamax side effects and other bisphosphonates, in October 2010, the FDA required manufacturers to change the drugs’ labeling.

Preventing Fosamax Side Effects

Given these recent discoveries, researchers have concluded that women who use Fosamax for a prolonged period of time are at an increased risk for sustaining a femur fracture – one of the debilitating side effects of Fosamax.  Although research shows that short-term or sporadic use of bisphosphonates reduce “typical” fractures, which are prone to women suffering from osteoporosis, studies show that long-term use (more than five years) of these drugs should be reconsidered in order to avoid Fosamax side effects.  At the very least, it is recommended that patients take a “drug holiday” after five years of continuous bisphosphonate use.  Thus, patients and doctors should carefully evaluate the benefits and risks associated with long-term Fosamax use.

Fosamax Side Effects Lawsuits

Because taking Fosamax can cause a variety of severe, potentially permanent health problems, many afflicted patients have sought compensation by filing individual Fosamax lawsuits. The lawyers at Bernstein Liebhard LLP are actively filing lawsuits on behalf of those who sustained a femur fracture as a result of taking Fosamax.  If you suffered a femur fracture, our team of Fosamax injury attorneys can help you seek compensation for your 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