Taking Fosamax can lead to esophageal cancer: help is available

The link between Fosamax (an oral bisphosphonate prescribed most commonly for osteoporosis) and esophageal cancer was confirmed in a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2009. The study stated that the Food and Drug Administration received 23 reports of patients in the United States who developed esophageal cancer while taking Fosamax. From the time the study commenced to the time when it was published, eight Fosamax users died of esophageal cancer (emaxhealth.com).

Dr. Donna Shoupe, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology stated that she is “very concerned” about these findings.

Only a year later, Fosamax and other bisphosphonate drugs were found to double your chances of developing esophageal cancer after five or more years of usage. This was confirmed in a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Medicine (drugwatch.com).

Weitz & Luxenberg can help those who may have developed esophageal cancer from taking Fosamax. We understand the current problem with the drug and can help you get compensation for the substantial losses it caused you. Contact Weitz & Luxenberg today for a free legal consultation.

What is esophageal cancer?

The esophagus is a hollow tube, about 10 inches long, that connects your throat to your stomach. After food is chewed and swallowed, the esophagus, through a squeezing process called peristalsis, moves the food down into the stomach.

Esophageal cancer is when abnormal cancer cells in the inner layer of the esophageal wall reproduce uncontrollably and form tumors. These tumors grow outward and are known to spread to nearby vital organs like the lungs and the heart.

There are two main varieties of esophageal cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma: Tumors develop in the glandular tissue lower in the esophagus at the meeting point between the stomach and the esophagus.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: Tumors arises in squamous cells located in the lining of the esophagus. This type of esophageal cancer develops in the upper-middle part of the esophagus.

The five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with esophageal cancer is 17%. The treatment depends on location and size of the tumors, but generally consists of radiation and chemotherapy (Cancer.net).

How Fosamax leads to esophageal cancer

Diane Wysowski, Ph.D, from the FDA conducted tests on individuals with esophagitis (another esophagus-related disease caused by Fosamax) while looking into what might be causing the esophageal cancer. She states that, “Crystalline material similar to ground alendronate (generic name for Fosamax) tablets has been found in patients with erosive esophagitis, and persistent mucosal abnormalities have been noted in some of these patients, suggesting a potential for carcinogenic effects."

This means that bits of Fosamax in mid-digestion travel back up the esophagus and get lodged there. These bits stuck in the esophagus can have cancer-causing effects.

How Weitz & Luxenberg can help

Weitz & Luxenberg understands that esophageal cancer is a devastating side-effect of Fosamax, and just one of the many that have not been properly disclosed to the public. As of right now, we are working hard at handling the many cases of femur fractures as result of taking Fosamax, and cannot currently accept any cases dealing with the other side-effects. We can help all of those that have sustained Fosamax femur fractures pursue compensation for expenses such as:

• Treatment costs
• Lost income during treatments
• Lost future income due to forced retirement from illness
• Any counseling or therapy costs to help cope with the illness
• Any hired help needed to aid in the recovery
• Medication costs
• Pain and suffering

To get started, simply fill out the form on this page for a free, no obligation, legal consultation.

Sources:

http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Esophageal+Cancer

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see also:

Brittle Bones Bones that shatter like glass: information on Fosamax use and brittle bones
Fosamax use has been linked to brittle bones

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Fosamax's ghastly effects: osteonecrosis of the jaw
The popular drug Fosamax has been known to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw

Fosamax Side Effects Fosamax side effects causes serious bone and esophageal problems
Fosamax is known to cause serious side effects for its long-term users