Fosamax

Osteoporosis is a disease that has gained much media attention in recent years. People everywhere have been educated by television programs and magazine articles about how to prevent or slow down bone loss. For some, though, osteoporosis occurs regardless of how much they try to avoid it. In those cases, physicians have often prescribed the drug Fosamax to counteract osteoporosis symptoms.

Marketed by Merck & Co., Fosamax is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the symptoms of osteoporosis. Generally, it is taken by postmenopausal woman and older men, but it has been prescribed for younger persons or for those who suffer from Paget's disease (or other diseases of the bone) as well.

A biphosphonate drug, Fosamax is one of Merck's best selling medications. In fact, in 2005, Merck earned a reported $3.2 billion from sales of Fosamax. This was despite a rising concern that the drug might, in fact, be defective.

Questions about Fosamax's adverse side effects made their way to the public as Fosamax patients began to complain about developing ONJ as a result of Fosamax use. ONJ, which causes a breakdown of the jawbone, usually results in the loss of some or all of the individual's teeth. It's a horrifying experience for those who took Fosamax expecting that the worst side effects they could have would be nausea, flatulence, and/or skin rash.

Though Merck quickly took notice of the rising claims against its top selling product, it didn't take Fosamax off the market. Instead, the company added ONJ to the growing list of side effects in an effort to stem the tide of lawsuits. That didn't work.

In fact, there is a class action lawsuit pending against Merck on behalf of numerous Fosamax patients who developed ONJ. It is expected that Merck will offer some kind of monetary compensation to the claimants, though to date, a settlement agreement has not been announced.

Because our law firm is deeply committed to keeping consumers safe and obtaining restitution for those whose good faith has been taken advantage of, we intend to file additional class action lawsuits against Merck, Fosamax's marketer.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ONJ or other side effects after taking the drug Fosamax, we urge you to call our offices today. Our team of legal professionals is here for you; a consultation is free, no-obligation, and completely confidential. 8/10

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Fosamax In The News

Recently, a woman in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area, made headlines when she sued Merck & Co., the pharmaceutical corporation that markets Fosamax. According to her allegations, her use of the drug, meant to help build bones in cases of osteoporosis, led to a debilitating disease called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). She wants Fosamax's maker to pay dearly for her suffering.

ONJ causes a breakdown of the jawbone and a resulting loss of the teeth. The 52-year-old woman's attorneys are suing on her behalf (and the behalf of others) because of the disfiguring results of her Fosamax use. Their class action lawsuit claims that Merck knew Fosamax had a potential connection to the development of ONJ but did not adequately inform physicians or the general public of the dangers.

Though Merck revised its Fosamax side effects listings and contraindications in July of 2005 to mention ONJ, those who have already been diagnosed with the disease feel it's a case of "too little, too late."

Ironically, Fosamax still remains one of Merck's most lucrative medications; in fact, 2005 brought the drug manufacturer over $3 billion in sales from Fosamax alone. However, the class action lawsuit has reportedly been taken very seriously by the pharmaceutical company that doesn't want to lose the income from or reputation of one of its best selling medications.

Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug that has been used to treat osteoporosis (often in postmenopausal women) as well as other bone diseases, such as Paget's disease. Both males and females have been prescribed Fosamax in an effort to slow down the deterioration of bones, though those who are pregnant or under 18 are warned not to use the drug.

Other individuals who are asked not to consider Fosamax to treat their osteoporosis are those who have hypersensitivity to alendronate, hypocalcemia, osteomalacia, or inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract, although other contraindications exist as well. Common side effects to Fosamax usage include skin rash, abdominal discomfort, obstipation, diarrhea, nausea, ulceration, generalized muscle or joint pain, and, of course, ONJ.

To date, there has been no definitive settlement in the abovementioned Fosamax class action lawsuit filed on behalf of the Utah patient as well as others around the country. However, it's likely that with the volume of claimants, Merck will treat the lawsuit with a great deal of seriousness.

If you or someone you care about has suffered ONJ after taking Fosamax, please contact our office. You may be entitled to restitution from Merck for your pain. Contact our Fosamax attorneys immediately, for you only have so much time to take legal action. Don't miss your chance for justice and financial compensation. Contact us today. 8/10