NEW JERSEY FOSAMAX LAWYER

The popular Osteoporosis drug Fosamax used by millions of Americans has been linked to Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (also referred to as “dead jaw”) and has also been linked to femur fractures in some patients.

Free Fosamax Lawsuit Review: If you or a loved one have taken Fosamax and developed a serious side effect like jaw osteonecrosis or suffered a femur fracture, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.

What is the Problem?

Actonel, Fosamax, Boniva, Zometa, and Aredia are all in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates and are commonly marketed as medications to help and prevent or treat bone loss in osteoporosis.

There are over 36 million women who use medications like Fosamax to prevent or slow osteoporosis. Since the indication of hormone replacement therapy causing increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer, more women are taking bisphosphonates at an earlier age.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw — ONJ

Unfortunately with women taking these drugs at an earlier age and for much longer time spans, they are at an increased risk of developing Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). It has been reported that over 2,400 Fosamax (same class of drugs) patients since 2001 that have reported bone death and jaw bone decay or Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.

In addition, more than 120 patients have suffered from such severe pain and debilitation that they have become bedridden or in need of devices like crutches, walkers and wheelchairs.

Signs and Symptoms of Fosamax Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

The typical signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw may include pain, swelling or infection of the gums, loosening of the teeth, poor healing of the gums, numbness or a feeling of heaviness in the jaw, drainage and exposed bone. Patients with the least serious form of this condition may not show any symptoms, but in the most serious cases, some patients may require the removal of sections of the jaw.

Femur Fractures

A ]study published in 2011 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has confirmed that long-term use of bisphosphonates like Fosamax increases the risk for atypical (subtrochanteric or femoral shaft) fractures in older women. Patients are advised to weigh risks vs. benefits closely before taking Fosamax.

The crux of the study evaluated the link between hospitalization for a subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fracture and the duration of bisphosphonate therapy. After starting bisphosphonate therapy, 716 women had a subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fracture, and 9,723 women had a typical osteoporotic fracture of the intertrochanteric region or femoral neck. The study found that the risk for these fractures was increased among women treated with bisphosphonates for at least 5 years vs those who had only transient use.

Among women taking bisphosphonates for longer than 5 years, more than half of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures could be attributed to extended bisphosphonate use. Additional analysis suggested that if no patient received more than 5 years of bisphosphonate exposure, approximately 1 of every 10 cases of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures in the population might be prevented.

“These findings also highlight the need for a thoughtful assessment of individual risk of fracture when considering extended bisphosphonate therapy and that long-term use of these drugs may warrant reconsideration, especially in patients at relatively low risk of fracture,” the study authors conclude.

In October 2010, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) required bisphosphonate labels to include a warning regarding an increased risk for subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures.

New Jersey Fosamax Law Firm

We are reviewing Fosamax injury claims and lawsuits. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Osteonecrosis of the Jaw or suffered from a femur fracture and had previously taken Fosamax or another bisphosphonate it is important that you contact a New Jersey Fosamax Lawyer today for a free consultation. All lawsuits are being pursued under a contingency fee, which means that there are no fees unless a recovery is obtained.

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