Fosamax

Fosamax Side Effects Include Femur Fractures

October 2010 – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that it is updating the Warnings and Precautions section of labels for Fosamax and all bisphosphonate drugs approved to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

The new label warns patients about the risk of abnormal fractures of the thigh, known as subtrochanteric and diaphyseal femur fractures. Subtrochanteric femur fractures are fractures in the bone just below the hip joint, while diaphyseal femur fractures occur in the long part of the thigh bone.

The FDA also will require a new Limitations of Use statement in the Indications and Use section of the label, and a Medication Guide will be given to patients when they pick up their prescription.

The announcement came one month after the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published an online article about unusual femur fractures. The task force leading the report reviewed 310 cases and found that 94 percent of patients had taken the drugs, most for more than five years. These patients experienced their femur fractures while doing normal daily activities like walking down stairs or getting out of bed.

The bisphosphonates affected by this notice include Fosamax, Fosamax+D, Actonel, Actonel+Ca, Boniva, Atelvia, and Reclast (and generic products). It does not affect bisphosphonate drugs that are only used to treat Paget’s disease or high blood calcium levels due to cancer.

Did You Suffer a Femur Fracture While Taking Fosamax?

Did you suffer a sudden fracture in your thigh bone while taking Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva? If so, contact Edgar Snyder & Associates right away.

You may have a case, but you need to act now. There are time limits to file a claim. Call us at 1-866-9-4EDGAR (1-866-943-3427), or fill out the form at the top right of this webpage for a free case review of your dangerous drug claim.

What is Fosamax?

Fosamax, known generically as alendronate, is a prescription drug used to treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and complications from advanced cancers. Manufactured by Merck, Fosamax is a type of bisphosphonate that slows bone loss while increasing bone mass.

Possible Side Effects of Taking Fosamax
In addition to the risk of abnormal femur fractures, Fosamax can cause several other side effects including osteonecrosis (ONJ). Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare but serious disease that causes the jaw bone to die – also known as Dead Jaw. The USC School of Dentistry suggests that Fosamax may make it easier for bacteria to attach itself to the bone that is exposed after having a tooth pulled or undergoing dental surgery, thus causing the jaw bone to deteriorate.

Patients with ONJ suffer extreme pain, swelling, numbness, loose teeth, gum infection, and exposed bone in the mouth. Even if you stop taking Fosamax, there is a risk for ONJ-related complications during dental procedures.

If you take Fosamax or another bisphosphonate and need to have any dental work done (especially surgery), tell the dentist what prescription you are taking.

Additional serious side effects include:

Chest pain
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Pain or burning under the ribs or in the back
Severe heartburn
Coughing up blood
Fever, body aches, flu symptoms
Severe join, bone, or muscle pain

What Should I do if I’ve Been Hurt by Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, or Another Related Drug?

As always, if you’re experiencing any health problems or complications while taking Fosamax or another bisphosphonate, see a doctor right away. Then, contact the Pennsylvania law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates to find out if you have a case.

For nearly three decades, our experienced attorneys have helped hundreds of people who have suffered serious side effects from a medication that was supposed to help them – not harm them. Edgar Snyder & Associates has the experience and resources to go up against the big pharmaceutical companies that make, sell, and distribute dangerous drugs.

From the moment you hire us, we take away your worries and fight to get you the money you deserve for your injuries or illnesses – so you can focus on getting better. And remember, there’s never a fee unless we get money for you, so you have nothing to lose.

Find Out if You Have a Dangerous Drug Case Now

Call toll-free 1-866-9-4EDGAR (1-866-943-3427), or fill out the form to the top right of this webpage for a free legal consultation. It’s absolutely free, and there’s no obligation to use our services. Contact us any day of the week, day or night.